Samantha Mostyn will become the next Governor General in July, taking over from outgoing former General David Hurley. I am greatly cheered by this news, not simply because she is only the second woman to hold this office but because I believe she has the capacity to heal this nation at a time of its greatest need.
Technically, the governor general manages official duties and administers the honours system, with the help of his or her staff, numbering several dozen. This is no easy task. There is a large property asset to maintain and official travel to be undertaken both in country and overseas for ceremonial and community reasons. These official duties should be undertaken in measured proportion according to their benefit to the nation, and not assumed as prerogatives of the office.
In just the first half of 2023, Governor General David Hurley’s air travel cost taxpayers more than $626 million. Samantha Mostyn, a former director of Virgin Australia, should be well aware of the need to make modest use of official transport. She might note that the Danish King Frederik and Australian-born Princess Mary frequently travel across Copenhagen........