Positive Reaction to Appointment of Australia's 26th Governor-General
Wednesday 29 January 2014 @ 11.36 a.m. | Judiciary, Legal Profession & Procedure
Prime Minister Tony Abbott has announced Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has approved his recommendation to appoint General Peter Cosgrove AC MC as Australia’s next Governor-General. The former Defence Force chief will replace Quentin Bryce, whose five-and-a-half-year term concludes in March. He will be Australia’s 26th Governor-General.
In a statement released yesterday, Mr Abbott remarked:
“General Cosgrove is a remarkable Australian who served with distinction until his retirement as the Chief of the Defence Force in 2005. A former Australian of the Year, General Cosgrove has dedicated his life to serving and supporting the Australian community. His army service included postings in Malaysia, Vietnam, the UK, India and the USA. In 1999, he commanded the international force that secured peace and oversaw East Timor’s transition to independence. His compassion and commitment to service was displayed during his time as chairman of the recovery taskforce that helped rebuild shattered communities following Cyclone Larry in Far North Queensland. I can’t think of a finer Australian or a more suitable one to serve as Governor-General and, in this great office, make a contribution to the leadership of our country.”
The highly decorated retired military officer says he is humbled and honoured to have been offered the role.
"My approach to this job will be of course as I've approached all those times when I've been asked to serve Australia...It will get my total commitment, all the energy I've got, good humour, and with an unfailing optimism that this is a great nation which will only get better."
General Cosgrove became well-known after successfully taking on the role of commander of the international peacekeeping effort in East Timor in 1999 and was later appointed as chief of the Defence Force in 2002.
In announcing the selection, Mr Abbott thanked Ms Bryce, acknowledging she has discharged her duties with grace and distinction. Ms Bryce received criticism in November when she openly supported the idea of Australia becoming a republic and legalising same-sex marriage.
General Cosgrove says he plans to leave the "vexed political issues" to elected MPs.
"I think your responsibility is to shine light, but not to generate heat...I think you've got to listen a lot and take in everything that you see, but you're not a participant in the political process."
Upcoming Plans
General Cosgrove has gained praise for his ability to reach all sections of the Australian community.
He described his appointment to the role as a "salute" to the men and women who remain serving in the Defence Force, saying he intends to visit different military bases during his term. He also has stated that he and Australian of the Year Indigenous footballer Adam Goodes would like to spend time in remote Aboriginal communities.
"I was talking with the Prime Minister about that yesterday, and if that suits his program, I think it would be a wonderful thing for Adam and [me] to go to see some of the stressed Indigenous communities to see what their conditions are like."
Labor’s Reaction
Acting Opposition Leader Tanya Plibersek commented:
"General Cosgrove reflects the best of Australia and its people… [he] has dedicated his entire adult life to serving his country, inspiring others with his determination, strength and leadership."
Ms Plibersek also thanked Ms Bryce, saying she has represented the country with grace and honour.
"Ms Bryce is Australia's first female Governor-General and has brought a renewed sense of respect and appreciation to Australia's highest office, in particular, serving as a role model and mentor to Australian women."
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