Scott Morrison announces Australia’s 27th governor general – ending speculation Julie Bishop could land the role
- Retired army general David Hurley will be Australia’s next governor-general
- He will take over from Peter Cosgrove at the end of his five-year term in March
- Mr Hurley is currently the governor of New South Wales
Retired army general David Hurley has been named as Australia’s next governor-general.
He will take over the position in March, when Sir Peter Cosgrove finishes his five-year term.
Mr Hurley is the current governor of New South Wales, and his new position is expected to be formally announced by Prime Minister Scott Morrison about 10am.
Labor had previously urged the Prime Minister to extend Sir Peter’s time in the job until the next election, allowing the new government to choose his successor.
David Hurley (pictured) has been announced as Australia’s next governor-general, and will replace Sir Peter Cosgrove in March 2019
Mr Morrison in October downplayed speculation that former defence chief Sir Angus Houston was in the running for the job.
Sir Angus retired in 2011 after 41 years with the military.
Former foreign minister Julie Bishop was another person linked to the post, shortly after her failed bid for the Liberal leadership in August – following Malcolm Turnbull’s toppling.
But the Western Australian MP has since confirmed she will recontest the next election and has not ruled out running for the leadership again in the future.
The Australian Republic Movement had argued the next governor-general should be at least in part chosen by the public.
More to come.