Australia begins its financial year on Monday (July 1), and it has sworn in Samantha Mostyn as its next Governor-General.
Public broadcaster ABC reported that Mostyn, known for her reputation as a businesswoman and the first female commissioner of the sporting league AFL, would be appointed to a largely ceremonial role as government oversight remains with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his Labor Party.
In her first speech in office, Mostyn told senators, MPs, and guests that it was a "great honor and privilege" to be appointed to the role and thanked Albanese for the opportunity.
She also intended to meet with Hurley and other living former governors-general as one of her first official duties.
After her speech, a 21-gun salute was fired in her honor outside Canberra's Parliament House.
Another Female Australian Governor-General
Mostyn is replacing David Hurley as Governor-General, making her the second woman to assume office after Quentin Bryce, who served from 2008 to 2014.
Before becoming Governor-General, she had vast experience in law, the corporate sector, community development, sports, and the arts.
It is understood that her speech centered on incorporating care and empathy into her leadership role. She said that she believes tough times call for an "unstinting focus" on kindness, care, and respect.
The ABC added that Mostyn wore a custom-made suit by The Social Outfit, a clothing brand that aims to repurpose old discarded clothes into new fashionable items. She was a long-term customer of The Social Outfit.
The role of governor-general is five years long and entails the officeholder representing the British monarch in Australia as the country is a significant member of its Commonwealth.
Who is Sam Mostyn?
The Australian Associated Press reported that Mostyn advocated for gender equality due to her role in the AFL.
Born in Canberra as the eldest of four sisters to a retired army officer, she started her career as a lawyer for the New South Wales Supreme Court of Appeal. In the 1990s, she also worked as a communication officer for former prime minister Paul Keating before transitioning into the corporate world as a board member for Transurban, Virgin Australia, and Citibank Australia.
She became the first female AFL commissioner in 2005, significantly transforming the sporting code by establishing its women's division, AFLW.
Mostyn also served on the boards of nonprofits such as the Climate Council, Beyond Blue, and the Sydney Theatre Company.
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