By: Mike Crooks
Prominent businesswoman and gender equality advocate Samantha Mostyn AO will be Australia’s next governor-general.
Ms Mostyn is the current chair of the federal government’s Women’s Economic Equality Taskforce and has previously served in a range of roles, including as an AFL commissioner.
She will be the second woman to hold the position, becoming Australia’s 28th governor-general.
It follows King Charles’s approval of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s recommendation that she be appointed as his representative in Australia.
She will be sworn in on July 1, replacing David Hurley, who has served since 2019.
Mr Albanese described Ms Mostyn as a modern and optimistic leader who was deeply respected in the business world.
“Her leadership reflects our enduring Australian values of equality, fairness and a responsibility to build a better future for the next generation,” he said.
Ms Mostyn said her strong business experience and legal training would bolster her in the new position.
“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 told reporters in Canberra.
She says she has engaged with a diverse Australian community over the years.
“My connections to this country and people have come in so many forms — from contributing to governance around executive investment and board tables, to cheering at the footy, to being moved and inspired in the audience at our extraordinary music and arts events or packing food boxes in my local community,” she said.
“The beauty of Australians is our ability to pull together often despite our differences.”
Ms Mostyn has previously worked with Reconciliation Australia, Beyond Blue, the Australia Council for the Arts, and the National Mental Health Commission.
As a commissioner with the AFL, she was central to establishing the code’s women’s competition.
She will be just the second woman to serve as Australia’s governor-general, following Quentin Bryce.
Mr Hurley welcomed the announcement, calling Ms Mostyn 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.”
Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.
Feature image: Samantha Mostyn, Screenshot, ABC News