CANBERRA, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Prominent businesswoman and community leader Samantha Mostyn will become Australia's next governor-general, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced.
Albanese on Wednesday said that King Charles III has accepted his recommendation to appoint Samantha Mostyn as the 28th Governor-General of Australia.
Mostyn, who currently chairs the federal government's Women's Economic Equality Taskforce, will become the second woman to serve as the monarch's representative in Australia.
"Ms Mostyn is known for her exceptional service to the Australian community. She is a businesswoman and community leader with a long history in executive and governance roles across diverse sectors," Albanese said in his official announcement.
The Governor-General of Australia facilitates the work of the government and parliament by giving royal assent to bills, formally appointing and swearing in the prime minister and ministers and ordering elections at the request of the government.
The office is also responsible for the Order of Australia, which recognizes Australians for outstanding achievement and service. Mostyn was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2021 for distinguished service to business, the community and women.
Mostyn will be sworn in on July 1, replacing incumbent Governor-General David Hurley at the end of his five-year term.
Appearing at a press conference alongside Albanese in Canberra, the 59-year-old said her strong business experience and background in law, which she studied at the Australian National University, would serve her well in the role. ■