National
The General takes command …
Former defence force chief and Vietnam veteran officially named by Tony Abbott as Governor-General Quentin Bryce’s successor
General Peter Cosgrove has been confirmed as Australia’s 26th governor general, with Tony Abbott declaring that Cosgrove would deliver national leadership “beyond politics”.
The prime minister confirmed Cosgrove’s long-mooted appointment as the Queen’s next representative in Australia at a press conference in Canberra on Tuesday afternoon.
The prime minister said Cosgrove’s distinguished service record and long-standing contribution to the community indicated the governor general designate would “discharge his responsibilities with vigour and with integrity”.
“I am confident that in this new role he will continue to deliver to a grateful nation leadership beyond politics,” the prime minister said.
Cosgrove, who joined Abbott at the press conference, was careful in his introductory remarks to duck any politically sensitive subjects, including whether Australia should become a republic.
The monarchist offered the diplomatic formulation that he would serve Australians in whatever system prevailed. More broadly, Cosgrove defined his task as governor general as to shine light, but not generate heat.
“I’ve been labelled as a staunch this-and-that and a closet something else in relation to all of these issues,” Cosgrove told reporters, adding that he was a “staunch Australian”.
“I’ve served a particular system since I was a lad. And if the Australian people retain that system, that will be my guiding light as it is now. If they ever change at some future time then the will of the people will prevail,” he said.
Cosgrove was also quick to counter any suggestions that he would be more general than governor general.
The Cosgrove appointment coincides with the centenary of the outbreak of the first world war and next year’s Anzac commemorations, and is viewed as being helpful in marking that milestone.
But Cosgrove suggested he was interested in doing more than “turning up at war memorial functions” – he would look to amplify the interests of the nation and the achievements of its people.