Samantha Mostyn will be the second woman to hold the position of Governor-General. Photo: LinkedIn.
Prominent businesswoman and gender equity advocate Samantha Mostyn, who grew up in Canberra, will be Australia’s next Governor-General.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced her appointment today as the replacement for General David Hurley. She will be sworn in on 1 July.
Mr Albanese said Ms Mostyn, the current chair of the Federal Government’s Women’s Economic Equality Taskforce, was known for her exceptional service to the Australian community and was a leader with a long history in executive and governance roles across diverse sectors.
Ms Mostyn was born at the old Canberra Hospital, grew up in Curtin and retains strong family connections with the ACT. She said she was “shaped” by her Canberra childhood and will be the first Canberra local appointed to the vice-regal role.
Ms Mostyn has had an extensive career in business, 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 and 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).
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 is a daughter of an army officer and 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 + Tobin.
She was recently awarded an honorary doctorate of laws from the Australian National University.
Ms Mostyn has chaired multiple not-for-profit boards, including Beyond Blue, the Foundation of Young Australians, Australians Investing in Women, Ausfilm, 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.
“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,” Mr Albanese said.
“I extend sincere congratulations and best wishes to Ms Mostyn on her appointment.”
General Hurley said his replacement had dedicated her life to making positive change in the community.
“I have had the privilege of working with Ms Mostyn previously and know that she will represent and serve all Australians with distinction,” he said.
“I congratulate her on her appointment as our next Governor-General, look forward to spending time with her in coming months and, with all Australians, supporting her as our Governor-General.”
Ms Mostyn will be the 28th Governor-General and the second woman to be appointed to the role, after Quentin Bryce.
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