Who is Samantha Mostyn? Meet Australia’s new governor general

Published: 22:36 BST, 2 April 2024 | Updated: 23:35 BST, 2 April 2024

A climate change and gender equity advocate has been appointed Australia’s new Governor-General.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced David Hurley’s replacement on Wednesday morning after months of intense speculation, naming Samantha Mostyn for the role.

He said: ‘His Majesty King Charles III, on my recommendation, has approved the appointment of Ms Samantha Mostyn AO as Australia’s next Governor‑General.’

Ms Mostyn will be sworn into the role on July 1, 2024.

She is ‘a businesswoman and community leader with a long history in executive and governance roles across diverse sectors’.

Ms Mostyn was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to business, the community and women in 2021 and is also a lawyer.

Most recently, she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from the Australian National University.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced David Hurley’s replacement on Wednesday morning, after months of intense speculation, naming Samantha Mostyn for the role

The decision comes as a shock to insiders and commentators, who long expected the Prime Minister to appoint Australia’s first Indigenous Governor General.

Mr Albanese said: ‘Ms Mostyn has had an extensive career in the Australian business community, 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, 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).’

David Hurley’s term will end on July 1, 2024, after five years in the role

Throughout her illustrious career, she has chaired not-for-profit boards including Beyond Blue, Ausfilm, the Foundation of Young Australians and Australians Investing in Women.

She has also served as a National Mental Health Commissioner.

‘The Governor-General holds office at the pleasure of The King, however the term is usually understood to be five years,’ Mr Albanese said.

‘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.

‘I extend sincere congratulations and best wishes to Ms Mostyn on her appointment.’

KEY FACTS ABOUT SAMANTHA MOSTYN

She was born in 1965, growing up in an army family as the daughter of an army colonel.

She is married and has one daughter.

Mostyn holds a BA/LLB from the Australian National University.

One of Mostyn’s earliest jobs was working with Michael Kirby, in the NSW Court of Appeal.

She was formerly communications advisor to the office of former Prime Minister Paul Keating.

Mostyn contributed to the development of the AFL’s Respect and Responsibility Policy and led the establishment of the Australian Football League Women (AFLW).

She is an advocate of women’s issues and supporting domestic violence survivors.

Mostyn serves as the chair of the Climate Council, where she has contributed writings on bushfires and climate change. Her Doctor of Laws was awarded in recognition of her leadership climate change work.

Mostyn is also the Deputy chair of the Diversity Council of Australia.

The Mostyn medal, for “best and fairest” women in AFL Sydney, is named after her.

Gender IdeologyClimate Change & Global Warming