Samantha Mostyn AO has been named Australia’s next governor-general, succeeding David Hurley when she is sworn in on 1 July 2024.
She will be the second woman to hold the position after Quentin Bryce’s appointment in 2008.
Announcing the role, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese noted Mostyn’s “exceptional” service to the Australian community.
“Sam Mostyn is an exceptional leader who represents the best of modern Australia,” he told reporters in Canberra.
“She has lived her 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.”
Mostyn has been chair of Aware Super since March 2023 and has served as a non-executive director of Mirvac since 2015.
She was president of Chief Executive Women (CEW) from 2021–22 and has also held senior non-executive roles on boards including Transurban, Virgin Australia, and has been chair of Citibank Australia.
A lawyer by training, Mostyn started her career as an associate in the Court of Appeal of the NSW Supreme Court and has worked at law firms Freehills and Gilbert + Tobin.
She was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to business, the community, and women in 2021.
Mostyn said she was “deeply honoured” to be named the next governor-general.
“I’m deeply honoured by this great privilege and look forward to representing the values, hopes, and aspirations of all Australians. I will never underestimate or take for granted the expectations that come with high office and I am ready to serve with integrity, compassion and respect,” she said.
His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley will conclude his tenure in July 2024.
“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,” Prime Minister Albanese added.
The governor-general holds office at the pleasure of the king; however, the term is usually understood to be five years.
