His Majesty King Charles III, on my recommendation, has approved the appointment of Ms Samantha Mostyn AO as Australia's next Governor-General.
Ms Mostyn will succeed His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret'd) and will be Australia's 28th Governor-General when she is sworn in on 1 July 2024.
Ms Mostyn is known for her exceptional service to the Australian community. She is a businesswoman and community leader with a long history in executive and governance roles across diverse sectors.
In 2021, Ms Mostyn was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to business, the community and women. She has been a member of the Australian Faculty of The Prince of Wales's Business & Sustainability Programme for 12 years, and a senior associate in the International Programme.
Ms Mostyn, a daughter of an army officer, is a lawyer by training, who started her career as an associate in the Court of Appeal of the NSW Supreme Court, and has worked at law firms Freehills and Gilbert and Tobin. She has more recently been awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from the Australian National University.
Ms Mostyn has had an extensive career in the Australian business community, including working at senior levels in telecommunications and insurance companies in Australia and globally. She has also held senior non-executive roles on boards including Transurban, Virgin Australia, and has been chair of Citibank Australia. She currently chairs AWARE Super and Alberts Music Group and is on the board of Mirvac.
Ms Mostyn has been a Commissioner with the Australian Football League (AFL) and a driving force behind the AFL Women's (AFLW).
Ms Mostyn has chaired multiple not-for-profit boards, including Beyond Blue, the Foundation of Young Australians, Australians Investing in Women, Ausfilm and the Australian National Research Organisation for Women's Safety and Australian Volunteers International. She has been President of the Australian Council for International Development and President of Chief Executive Women as well as a National Mental Health Commissioner.
The Governor-General holds office at the pleasure of The King, however the term is usually understood to be five years.
His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley will conclude his appointment on 1 July 2024.
On behalf of the Government and the people of Australia I thank General Hurley for his service to our country and convey our deep respect for the outstanding way he discharged his duties as Governor-General.
I extend sincere congratulations and best wishes to Ms Mostyn on her appointment.
