Home Australia Who is Samantha Mostyn? Meet Australia’s new governor general

Who is Samantha Mostyn? Meet Australia’s new governor general

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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced David Hurley's replacement on Wednesday morning, after months of intense speculation, naming Samantha Mostyn for the role.

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A climate change and gender equality advocate has been named Australia’s new Governor-General.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced David Hurley’s replacement after months of intense speculation on Wednesday morning, naming Samantha Mostyn for the role.

He said: “His Majesty King Charles III, on my recommendation, has approved the appointment of Ms Samantha Mostyn AO as the next Governor-General of Australia.”

Ms. Mostyn will be sworn into office on July 1, 2024.

She is “a businesswoman and community leader with a long history in executive and governance roles in various sectors.”

Ms Mostyn was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to business, the community and women in 2021 and is also a lawyer.

Most recently, he received an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from the Australian National University.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced David Hurley's replacement on Wednesday morning, after months of intense speculation, naming Samantha Mostyn for the role.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced David Hurley’s replacement on Wednesday morning, after months of intense speculation, naming Samantha Mostyn for the role.

The decision comes as a shock to insiders and commentators who have long expected the Prime Minister to appoint Australia’s first indigenous Governor-General.

Albanese said: ‘Mrs Mostyn has had an extensive career in the Australian business community, including working at senior levels in telecommunications and insurance companies in Australia and around the world.

‘She also held senior non-executive positions on boards such as Transurban and Virgin Australia, and was chair of Citibank Australia. She currently chairs AWARE Super and Alberts Music Group and sits on the board of directors of Mirvac.

“Ms Mostyn has been a commissioner of the Australian Football League (AFL) and a driving force behind the AFL Women (AFLW).”

David Hurley's term will end on July 1, 2024, after five years in office

David Hurley's term will end on July 1, 2024, after five years in office

David Hurley’s term will end on July 1, 2024, after five years in office

Throughout her illustrious career she has chaired the boards of not-for-profit organisations, including Beyond Blue, Ausfilm, the Young Australians Foundation and Australians Investing in Women.

She has also served as National Mental Health Commissioner.

“The Governor-General serves at the discretion of the King, although the term is normally understood to be five years,” Mr Albanese said.

‘On behalf of the Government and people of Australia, I thank General Hurley for his service to our country and convey our deep respect for the outstanding manner in which he discharged his duties as Governor-General.

“I extend my sincere congratulations and best wishes to Mrs Mostyn on her appointment.”

KEY FACTS ABOUT SAMANTHA MOSTYN

She was born in 1965 and grew up in an army family as the daughter of an army colonel.

She is married and has a daughter.

Mostyn holds a BSc/LLB from the Australian National University.

One of Mostyn’s first jobs was working with Michael Kirby, at the New South Wales Court of Appeal.

She was previously a communications adviser in the office of former Prime Minister Paul Keating.

Mostyn contributed to the development of the AFL’s Respect and Responsibility Policy and led the establishment of the Australian Women’s Football League (AFLW).

She is an advocate for women’s issues and supports survivors of domestic violence.

Mostyn serves as chair of the Climate Council, where she has contributed writings on wildfires and climate change. Her JD was awarded in recognition of her leadership work on climate change.

Mostyn is also vice-president of the Australian Diversity Council.

The Mostyn Medal, for AFL Sydney’s “best and fairest” women, is named after her.

Gender ideologyClimate change and global warming

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