Samantha Mostyn AO has been appointed as Australia’s next governor-general, assuming the role on 1 July, 2024.
Mostyn will become Australia’s 28th governor-general, and the nation’s second woman to hold the position.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made the announcement on Wednesday morning that King Charles III approved the appointment of Mostyn for the role.
Speaking to reporters at a press conference in Canberra, Albanese said Mostyn is an “exceptional leader who represents the best of modern Australia”.
“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,” the Prime Minister said.
“Australia will always be a stronger and more successful country when we draw on the skills and smarts of all our citizens.”
Mostyn, a strong advocate for diversity and the representation of women, took the opportunity to “introduce” herself and her values to Australians.
“I have always believed that we are all so much more interesting and complex than the stereotypes often drawn of us by those who only have limited understanding of our character and essence,” she said.
“So today, given the importance of the announcement… I want to introduce myself to those who do not know me so well.”
Mostyn said much of the values she holds today come from her parents and her family life.
“My memories are of deep service, community involvement, education and learning, sport and music, volunteering, and engaging in the disability sector,” she said.
“My parents instilled in us the values that they lived so consistently: generosity, care for others, respect, curiosity, being of service to society, and always humility.
“Millions of Australians know this to be true – that being of service is what often provides a person with their greatest happiness and sense of purpose.
“That is certainly the case for me – and I can think of no greater purpose, Prime Minister, than to serve this country I love as Governor General.”
Mostyn began her career as a lawyer in the Court of Appeal of the NSW Supreme Court, working with several law firms in the state. Recently, she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from the Australian National University.
Mostyn was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2021 for her service to business, community and women of Australia. In 2022, when she held the position as President of Chief Executive Women, she was appointed chair of the Women’s Economic Equality Taskforce.
Mostyn has been a Commissioner with the Australian Football League.
Mostyn has played an integral part in both the Australian business community and the not-for-profit sector. She currently chairs AWARE Super and Alberts Music Group and is on the board of Mirvac. She has also chaired NFPs such as Beyond Blue, Australians Investing in Women, and more.
Mostyn said her career prior to her appointment as the next Governor General has helped her forge “a strong connection with many aspects of Australian life”.
“In those roles, it has been a privilege to work with so many Australians across this country,” she said, “engaging respectfully in the complex conversations that define the Australian community in all of its rich diversity.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Mostyn will assume the role at the conclusion of David Hurley’s term, the current Governor-General of Australia, 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,” Albanese said.
“I extend sincere congratulations and best wishes to Ms Mostyn on her appointment.”