Our next Governor-General
The Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) has welcomed the announcement by Prime Minister Scott Morrison that former general and defence force chief David Hurley will be Australia’s next Governor-General.
Governor David Hurley
“David Hurley, who is currently Governor of New South Wales, is a fine choice for the role of Australia’s next Governor-General”, said ECAJ President, Anton Block.
“He has been a long-standing friend of the Australian Jewish community, is patron of the NSW Association of Jewish Service and Ex-Service Men and Women (NAJEX) and has attended numerous Jewish communal events over the years”.
“We congratulate him on his appointment, and wish him and his wife Linda all the very best in their new role”.
General Hurley will be Australia’s 27th Governor-General.
General Hurley is currently the Governor of New South Wales, having been appointed to the role in October 2014.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said: “He has been a very popular Governor of NSW. From his weekly boxing workouts with Indigenous children as part of the Tribal Warriors program to his frequent regional trips, Governor Hurley is known for being generous and approachable to old and young alike.
General Hurley will be sworn in on 28 June 2019, to allow for the fulfilment of his duties as Governor of New South Wales.
Her Majesty The Queen has agreed to extend the appointment of the current Governor General, His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd), until that time.
Prior to his appointment as Governor of New South Wales, General Hurley served in the Australian Army for 42 years, including as the Chief of the Defence Force from 2011 to 2014.
He was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia in 2010 for eminent service to the Australian Defence Force and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his leadership during Operation SOLACE in Somalia in 1993.
General Hurley and Mrs Hurley have been married for 41 years and they have three adult children: Caitlin, Marcus and Amelia.
The Governor-General holds office at the pleasure of The Queen, however, the term is usually understood to be five years.
General Cosgrove has discharged his duties to date with distinction and grace and I thank him for agreeing to continue in the role to assist in the transition.”
Premier of New South Wales Gladys Berejiklian said: “Governor Hurley has dedicated his entire adult life to the service of his country.”
The people of NSW have been extremely fortunate to have him as our 38th Governor.
“Governor Hurley has completed scores of visits to all parts of regional NSW – from Albury to Lismore to Broken Hill and everywhere in between.
Governor Hurley has worked tirelessly to assist communities battling drought, bushfires and floods, providing his support in times of need.
“In all aspects of his duties, he has been supported by his wife Linda. Mrs Hurley is also held in high regard for her compassion and commitment to NSW.”
A decision on the next Governor of NSW will be made in the near future.
