The ABC has suffered an embarrassing gaffe ahead of the swearing-in of Australia’s new Governor-General.
ABC News presenter Gemma Veness has mistaken Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s fiancée Jodie Haydon for the woman of the moment, Sam Mostyn.
Ms Haydon left Parliament on Monday morning with Mr Albanese to greet waiting media.
But via the footage, Veness told viewers: “We can see Sam Mostyn on our screens now arriving in Canberra for the swearing-in ceremony.”
A moment later, as the duo approached the cameras, Veness realized her mistake and corrected herself, adding: “Actually, my apologies… that’s Jodie Haydon.”
Ms Mostyn was seen entering as the swearing-in ceremony was about to begin.
Later in the Senate, Ms Mostyn was seen smiling as she walked in just as the swearing-in ceremony was about to begin.
Last week, the government passed legislation to provide the Governor General with an annual salary of $709,000, $200,000 more than her predecessor.
The reason for the $200,000 increase follows the constitutional requirement that the Governor General’s remuneration cannot be changed within a five-year period and is set in relation to the remuneration of the Chief Justice of the High Court.
The pay rise sparked outrage between the Coalition and the Greens for not being in touch during a cost of living crisis, but was ultimately passed by parliament without too much difficulty.
On Monday, politicians from both major parties gathered in the Senate to watch as Ms Mostyn, a well-known republican, swore an oath “to be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles III, his heirs and successors according to law”.
Ms Mostyn promised to “be an optimistic, modern and visible Governor General” who would “strike a balance between observing traditions and protocol and being completely contemporary”.
She revealed that she travelled to England at the end of May to spend time with King Charles at Buckingham Palace.
“I took advantage of this private meeting to convey the best wishes of the Australian people for his health and that of the Princess of Wales,” he said.
Journalist Gemma Veness confused Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s fiancee, Jodie Haydon, with woman of the hour, Sam Mostyn.
Sam Mostyn sworn in as Governor General of Australia
‘I am not the first Australian to be impressed by the King’s interest and warmth in the country where he lived and studied as a young man.
‘Mr Prime Minister, everyone in this House, all Australians, I am ready and able to take on the role you have entrusted to me.’
Ms Mostyn said since her appointment she had traveled to speak to ordinary Australians, as well as meeting senior politicians, former governors-general and business leaders.
“I stand here as Australia’s 28th Governor-General acutely aware of this great honour and privilege,” Mostyn said during the ceremony in the Senate chamber.
‘When you announced my appointment as Prime Minister, you said you envisioned a modern and optimistic Governor-General, capable of uniting and celebrating the best of Australia.
‘In the past few months since I accepted the role, I have reflected deeply on his words.
‘I have had to ask myself many questions about the role and impact of the position of Governor General in 2024.
‘I decided there was only one way to answer these questions: get out on the road and listen to people. Listen carefully to those who have unique experiences and knowledge.’
Albanese appointed the businesswoman, advocate and former AFL commissioner for a five-year term, replacing former defence chief David Hurley, to become Australia’s 28th Governor-General.
Her appointment makes her the second woman, after Dame Quentin Bryce, to hold the position.
Speaking ahead of the ceremony, Mr Albanese said Ms Mostyn would bring “dignity, compassion, hard work and integrity” to the job.
“Growing up in a defense family here in Canberra, he also worked in business and sport in the not-for-profit sector,” he said.
“She is someone eminently qualified and I believe she will be an outstanding leader for our nation.”
Her extensive CV showcased her achievements, including being the first woman in Australia to be appointed as an AFL commissioner, where she championed the creation of the women’s competition.
Her extensive CV showcased her achievements, including being the first woman in Australia to be appointed as an AFL commissioner, where she championed the creation of the women’s competition.
She has also previously held positions at Reconciliation Australia, Beyond Blue, the Australian Arts Council and the National Mental Health Commission.
Her most recent position was chairing the federal government’s Women’s Economic Equality Task Force.
But his appointment has not been without controversy, in addition to the conflict over his enormous salary increase.
Conservative critics slammed her as a “woke” appointment, decrying her long history of identity politics. Prior to her appointment, she scrubbed her social media presence from the internet.
She supported the Voice referendum, describing herself as “completely unmoored” when it was soundly defeated, and also described Australia Day as “invasion day” in a now-deleted social media post discovered by Daily Mail Australia .
The main image on their X account was, for a long period of time, a sign declaring: “We support the Uluru Statement.”
