- 11 Aug 2003 12:11
#21499
Jeffrey sworn in as new G-G
Former SAS commander and decorated Vietnam War hero Major-General Michael Jeffery has been sworn in as Australia's 24th Governor-General.
Maj-Gen Jeffery took the oath of office in Parliament House's Senate chamber in a ceremony presided over by High Court Chief Justice Murray Gleeson.
Maj-Gen Jeffery replaced former governor-general Peter Hollingworth, who stood down early after controversy over his handling of sex abuse claims against the church while Anglican Archbishop of Brisbane.
He becomes the first Australian-born Governor-General to have had a full time military career.
His wife Marlena, Prime Minister John Howard and his wife Janette, were among the first to congratulate the new Governor-General.
Maj-Gen Jeffery has previously served a seven-year term as Governor of Western Australia.
Former governors-general Sir William Deane and Sir Zelman Cowan were among the guests in the Senate chamber for today's ceremony.
Maj-Gen Jeffery said he was proud to become Governor-General, and would work for all Australians and a happy, tolerant society.
"I'm so very proud and extremely humble to have been appointed your governor-general," he said.
"Together with my wife Marlena, and with your support, I will do my best to fulfil the constitutional and public obligations of this high office with dedication, dignity and integrity."
The ceremony ended with a 21 gun salute fired in front of Parliament House.
News.com.au
Former SAS commander and decorated Vietnam War hero Major-General Michael Jeffery has been sworn in as Australia's 24th Governor-General.
Maj-Gen Jeffery took the oath of office in Parliament House's Senate chamber in a ceremony presided over by High Court Chief Justice Murray Gleeson.
Maj-Gen Jeffery replaced former governor-general Peter Hollingworth, who stood down early after controversy over his handling of sex abuse claims against the church while Anglican Archbishop of Brisbane.
He becomes the first Australian-born Governor-General to have had a full time military career.
His wife Marlena, Prime Minister John Howard and his wife Janette, were among the first to congratulate the new Governor-General.
Maj-Gen Jeffery has previously served a seven-year term as Governor of Western Australia.
Former governors-general Sir William Deane and Sir Zelman Cowan were among the guests in the Senate chamber for today's ceremony.
Maj-Gen Jeffery said he was proud to become Governor-General, and would work for all Australians and a happy, tolerant society.
"I'm so very proud and extremely humble to have been appointed your governor-general," he said.
"Together with my wife Marlena, and with your support, I will do my best to fulfil the constitutional and public obligations of this high office with dedication, dignity and integrity."
The ceremony ended with a 21 gun salute fired in front of Parliament House.
News.com.au
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