Yarralumla

Grattan on Friday: Albanese has made a statement in choosing Sam Mostyn as governor-general, but he could have been bolder

Retrieved on: 
Friday, April 5, 2024
First Nations, Culture, Biography, Labour, Hasluck, NSW, AFL, Tick, History, News, Politics, Gough Whitlam, Yarralumla, PM, Government, Sydney Theatre Company

Mostyn has progressive political views and, historically and currently, links with Labor governments.

Key Points: 
  • Mostyn has progressive political views and, historically and currently, links with Labor governments.
  • She was a staffer to Paul Keating, and has headed Anthony Albanese’s Women’s Economic Equality Taskforce.
  • None of that makes her unsuitable to be governor-general, a post occupied with distinction by former ministers from both sides of politics.
  • Mostyn’s appointment reflects the two sides of Albanese’s political character – the cautious leader and the leader who wants to make a statement.
  • The bigger statement would have been to choose the first Indigenous governor-general – a strong positive gesture after the referendum’s loss.
  • Also, an Indigenous appointee might potentally have come under serious personal pressures, given the differing views among their own people.
  • If he wasn’t to go the Indigenous route, it was virtually certain Albanese would appoint a woman.
  • Mostyn also had the attraction of extensive commercial experience, bringing something new to the office.
  • When he appeared with Mostyn at Wednesday’s news conference, Albanese carefully ensured she faced no questions.


Michelle Grattan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Businesswoman and women’s advocate Samantha Mostyn to be Australia’s next governor-general

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
Mother, Citibank Australia, Capital districts and territories, First Nations, Climate change, Culture, Territory, Farmer, Magistrates' court, Face, Learning, Labour, Woman, Environment, Drive, Education, AFL, Mental health, History, Democracy, Policy, News, Virgin Australia, Insurance, Royal, Australian Volunteers International, Respect, Responsibility, National university, Aware Super, English Football League, Love, Happiness, AFLW, Mirvac, Music, Yarralumla, Beyond Blue, Telecommunications, Australian National University, Government, Parent

Announcing Mostyn’s appointment on Wednesday morning, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Mostyn was a “modern and optimistic leader for our modern and optimistic nation”.

Key Points: 
  • Announcing Mostyn’s appointment on Wednesday morning, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Mostyn was a “modern and optimistic leader for our modern and optimistic nation”.
  • Mostyn is the second woman to hold the post, following Quentin Bryce who was appointed by the Rudd Labor government.
  • Trained as a lawyer, Mostyn has had extensive experience in business, especially in telecommunications and insurance locally and globally.
  • She presently is chair of AWARE Super and Alberts Music Group and is on the Mirvac board.
  • Mostyn has been a strong advocate on climate change and on women’s issues and has long had strong Labor connections.
  • I spent time listening carefully to single mothers and domestic violence survivors, and shared coffees and stories in men’s sheds.


Michelle Grattan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.