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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced the appointment of Mostyn as the 28th Governor-General of Australia, succeeding His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC.

“Ms Mostyn is known for her exceptional service to the Australian community,” Albanese said.

“She is a businesswoman and community leader with a long history in executive and governance roles across diverse sectors.”

A lawyer by training, Mostyn started her career as an associate in the Court of Appeal of the NSW Supreme Court and worked at law firms Freehills and Gilbert and Tobin.

With extensive experience in business, Mostyn held executive roles, including at Citibank Australia and Virgin Australia, and is the first woman to become the chair of the AFL, where she was the driving force behind the establishment of AFL Women’s.

Mostyn also chaired the board of several non-profits, including Deputy Chair of the Diversity Council of Australia and President of Chief Executive Women, where she advocated for gender equality and diversity in Australia.

In 2021 Mostyn was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished services to business, the community and women.

That same year, she spoke at a sold-out International Women’s Day event at the Law Society of NSW. In a conversation with then Law Society CEO Sonja Stewart, Mostyn remarked on how women continued to challenge for equality in leadership.

“Hoping, wishing and praying for women to get into leadership positions just hasn’t worked,” Mostyn told the audience. “My challenge is we just have to work more rapidly to get women into leadership positions.”

The President of the Law Society, Brett McGrath, congratulated Mostyn on the appointment.

“Ms Mostyn AO has helped build an exceptional path for women in corporate Australia with her remarkable contribution in the private and public sectors,” McGrath told the Journal.

“The Office of Governor-General holds a deep place in our constitution, government, and the rule of law in Australia, and this is an excellent appointment.”

Mostyn will succeed Hurley when she is sworn in on 1 July. She will be only the second woman to hold the position.

“On behalf of the Government and the people of Australia, I thank General Hurley for his service to our country and convey our deep respect for the outstanding way he discharged his duties as Governor-General,” concluded Albanese.

“I extend sincere congratulations and best wishes to Ms Mostyn on her appointment.”