Hasluck

• 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.