By Salt 106.5 Network Tuesday 9 Apr 2024NewsReading Time: 4 minutes

Australia is about to have a new Governor-General.

Key Points:

• Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that Samantha Mostyn, a businesswoman and gender equality advocate, will take on the role from July 1.
• Born in Canberra, Ms Mostyn grew up “within the army” as the daughter of an officer who served in the Vietnam war.
• A big fan of Aussie rules football, she has been a Commissioner with the AFL and a “driving force” behind the AFLW.

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that Samantha Mostyn, a businesswoman and gender equality advocate, will take on the role from July 1.

The 59 year old will be Australia’s 28th Governor-General, and just the second woman to serve, following Quentin Bryce.

Ms Mostyn will replace Governor-General David Hurley who has been in the role since 2019.

“Sam Mostyn is an exceptional leader who represents the best of modern Australia,” the Prime Minister said.

“She has lived her life in the service of a powerful Australian principle – when more people have the opportunity to fulfil their potential, our nation is a better place.

“This understanding has driven Sam’s tireless advocacy for gender equality, particularly in the world of business, for women’s safety and reconciliation.”

Ms Mostyn said she was “deeply honoured” to take on the role, adding that she looked forward to “representing the values, hopes and aspirations of all Australians.”

Who is Sam Mostyn?

Born in Canberra, Ms Mostyn grew up “within the army” as the daughter of an officer who served in the Vietnam war.

Her father was a Royal Military College Duntroon graduate who served Australia with distinction for almost 40 years, “supported by the generosity, love, care and selflessness of our late mother,” said Ms Mostyn, who was the eldest of four girls in her family.

Born in Canberra, Ms Mostyn grew up “within the army” as the daughter of an officer who served in the Vietnam war.

Ms Mostyn is a trained lawyer who worked as an associate in the NSW Supreme Court before joining the corporate sector.

Since then, Ms Mostyn, who has a daughter – Lottie – with her husband Simeon, a senior barrister, has had an impressive leadership career in the Australian business community.

“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,” said Mr Albanese in a statement.

“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 (the music company behind AC/DC amongst many other recording artists), and is on the board of Mirvac.

“Her leadership reflects our enduring Australian values of equality, fairness and a responsibility to build a better future for the next generation,” said the Prime Minister.

Champion for women

Ms Mostyn has also been a champion of gender equality and chaired multiple not-for-profit boards, including Beyond Blue, and Australians Investing in Women.

She has been the President of the Australian Council for International Development, and President of Chief Executive Women, as well as a National Mental Health Commissioner.

And being a big fan of Aussie rules football, she has been a Commissioner with the AFL and a “driving force” behind the AFLW, according to the Prime Minister.

In 2021, Ms Mostyn was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to business, the community and women.

“The beauty of Australians is our ability to pull together often despite our differences.”

“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,” she said in an official statement on Wednesday.

“The beauty of Australians is our ability to pull together often despite our differences.”

King’s approval

The appointment of the Governor-General must be met with approval of Australia’s monarch, King Charles III.

Ms Mostyn’s appointment marks Charles’s first approval of an Australian Governor-General.

“His Majesty King Charles III, on my recommendation, has approved the appointment of Ms Samantha Mostyn  as Australia’s next Governor‑General,” said the Prime Minister.

During Queen Elizabth II’s reign, there were 17 Governors‑General in Australia.

The role has no fixed tern, but historically a Governor‑General serves for about five years.

“I will never underestimate or take for granted the expectations that come with high office,” said Ms Mostyn.

“And I am ready to serve with integrity, compassion and respect.”

To see Sam Mostyn’s first speech as Governor-General Designate, visit here.