Australia: PM Albanese Names Businesswoman Samantha Mostyn as Next Governor-General

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Wednesday (Apr. 3) that prominent businesswoman and gender equality advocate Samantha Mostyn would become the next governor-general of Australia - and only the second woman to take the post in the country's history - effective July 1.

Mostyn, who was known as the first female commissioner of the Australian Football League (AFL), will replace outgoing Governor-General David Hurley, who has served since 2019, Australian public broadcaster ABC reported.

"I am honored to announce that His Majesty The King has approved my recommendation to appoint Ms. Samantha Mostyn AO as Australia's next Governor-General," the prime minister wrote on X, formerly Twitter, referring to King Charles III's approval.

Buckingham Palace has since confirmed Charles's approval, according to The Independent.

Separately, in a press conference in Canberra, Albanese described Mostyn as a reflection of the "enduring Australian values of equality, fairness, and a responsibility to build a better future for the next generation."

Meanwhile, Mostyn told reporters that her strong business experience and legal training would bolster her position in the company.

"I can think of no greater purpose, prime minister, than to serve this country I love as governor-general, particularly at a time in our history when the challenges and opportunities we face are large and complex," she addressed Albanese in the press conference.

She also mentioned her diverse engagements with several communities across the country over the years, from business governance, sports, music and arts, and mental health, among others.

"The beauty of Australians is our ability to pull together often despite our differences," she added.

As a Commonwealth nation, Australia has a governor-general, a ceremonial head of state with limited powers who represents the British monarch. Despite this, several republican movements in the country aim to modify its ties with the UK and the Commonwealth, just like Barbados did in 2021.

Local media previously reported during the days after the death of Queen Elizabeth II that Albanese expressed republicanist views but declined to comment further at the time.

Mixed Reactions from Aussies

Comments on X regarding Mostyn's appointment were mixed.

"Sam Mostyn is very impressive," one tweet read. "I think I've only seen the current GG [Hurley] give a public address twice. Good to have a completely different style in place, and about time another woman was appointed, Quentin Bryce was a value-add."

"The day we don't have to have our head of state approved by a head of state of a foreign country... will be a good day," another person said, expressing Republicanist views. "We need a new Constitution."

"[Mostyn] claims to be a 'climate change advocate' but we're not told what she has actually done," a skeptic third comment added.

"A diversity hire to ensure you remain in office?" a fourth tweet rhetorically asked Albanese.

Aside from the AFL, where she was credited for the establishment of the code's women's competition, Mostyn previously worked with Reconciliation Australia, Beyond Blue, the Australia Council for the Arts, and the National Mental Health Commission.

For her contribution to several communities, Mostyn was awarded the Order of Australia in 2021

Hurley welcomed the announcement, calling his successor as someone dedicated to "making positive change in our community."

"I have had the privilege of working with Ms. Mostyn previously and know that she will represent and serve all Australians with distinction," he said in a statement. "I congratulate her on her appointment as our next governor-general, look forward to spending time with her in coming months and, with all Australians, supporting her as our governor-general."

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