I begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which we meet, and I pay my respects to elders past, present and emerging.
It is such a pleasure to be here with you on this momentous day.
I thank all the members of the diplomatic corps and all members of the Australian Defence Force who have joined us.
I also thank my parliamentary colleagues and, of course, the reason we are here: our new Governor-General, Sam Mostyn, and her husband, Simeon Beckett.
The swearing in of a Governor-General is a bright moment in the life our nation, but it is not one we approach lightly.
We are a young nation on an ancient continent – yet the democracy that has defined us for 123 years is numbered among the world’s oldest, and the Governor-General has always been at the heart of it.
It is high office, but it is not lofty. For all the pomp of its origins, the role of Governor-General is one that has become firmly rooted among the Australian people.
In the course of their duties, a Governor-General meets so many Australians from so many different walks of life, and in so many different circumstances.
A Governor-General stands by us, celebrating our good times, and offering comfort and quiet strength during our times of trial.
And while guided by tradition, it is not blind to the future.
Over the years, we have seen different Governors-General applying an emphasis of their own choosing, whether it was Sir Ninian Stephens with his touch of healing, Sir Zelman Cowen’s vision of the Governor-General as interpreter of a nation, or Dame Quentin Bryce and her desire “to strike a balance between observing traditions and protocol and being thoroughly contemporary”.
Over the past week, we have expressed our admiration for the retiring Governor-General and Her Excellency, Mrs Hurley, and the great calibre of their contribution. They go with the thanks of a nation.
Today, we begin a new chapter with Australia’s 28th Governor-General, Sam Mostyn.
We share the great fortune of living in a modern and optimistic nation.
A nation made generous and courageous by its people.
In Sam Mostyn, our nation has the right leader.
Sam, you are a person of intelligence and compassion. Of loyalty and integrity.
You have clear eyes and a big heart – and both have shaped your vision of who and what we can be as a nation.
Throughout your life, and across your great breadth of experience in the worlds of law and business and sport, in corporate Australia and the not-for-profit sector, you have always been ready to put yourself forward for others.
They are the qualities that she will bring to representing our nation as Governor-General.
You have walked the talk, a human catalyst with an unrelenting capacity for making things happen.
You have blazed so many trails for women. You have pushed open the doors of opportunity and equality.
You have made a real difference for Indigenous Australians.
You have added to the environmental and cultural health of our nation.
For decades you have been driven by a desire to make a difference in the lives of your fellow Australians – now, and for future generations.
The very sense of fairness that is the beating heart of our identity as Australians is something you embody.
In 1999, the Australian Financial Review described you as “bound for glory”.
Yet glory is something you have never sought.
In 2019, your good friend, the playwright Suzie Miller, had this to say of you: “She inspires me. I wish she would be less modest.”
While Suzie’s wish may never be granted, she is one more reminder of how profoundly you value and nurture friendship – and everything that true friendship means.
I am glad you have Simeon with you on this journey. As a public law barrister who has worked in many crucial realms, he too has made a positive difference in the lives of so many.
Together, you are a truly wonderful partnership.
Your Excellency, you have lived your 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.
With you as Governor-General, our future is in good hands.
