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The Governor-General Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO is soon set to retire
and rumours have been rife about who is going to replace her for
months. On Tuesday, the appointment was confirmed when the
Australian Prime Minister, Tony Abbott, announced that Australia’s
26th Governor-General will be General Peter Cosgrove AC MC.
General Cosgrove, 66, was Chief of Her Majesty’s Australian defence
force from 2002 to 2005, and has 40 years service in the military
having been deployed to Vietnam and East Timor. Mr Abbott said
that General Cosgrove “has demonstrated a commitment to our country
and a commitment of service” at a press conference held at
Parliament House. Mr Abbott also spoke highly of the outgoing
Governor-General saying “she served with grace.”
Peter Cosgrove will be Governor-General at the 100th anniversary of
the landing of the ANZAC troops at Gallipoli in Turkey. Many
Australians see this as a fitting tribute as he is a decorated war
hero and former chief of the armed forces. General Cosgrove has
said he will do his best to visit and meet as many Australians as
he can, be that visiting troops on bases, meeting people in the
street and at functions.
With The Queen being Australia’s head of state, it is the
governor-general’s role to report to Her Majesty on a regular
business and commission any decisions The Queen wishes to make. The
governor-general’s role is rather ceremonial, although they do have
the power to act on The Queen’s behalf in matters of
government.
Ms Bryce, who recently came under fire by Monarchists for comments
made during a
speech last year, will retire in March after her contract
expires.
Any news of the Royal Family in Australia causes discussions
surrounding the republican debate. At this time, no referendum is
on the horizon with the Australian Prime Minister being a firm
believer in what the Monarchy represents in the country and the
importance of Australia’s strong ties with Britain.
Photo credit: Brent Hunter – Author]]>
