Dear Government General Cosgrove,
You are wise to keep out of politics which is the direst game to play but if use wisely, the most effective tool to make changes to society.
Eddie Hwang
President
Unity Party WA
info@unitywa.org
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UPWA is the only political party that calls a spade a spade.
Next governor-general Peter Cosgrove will keep out of politics
GOVERNOR-General designate Peter Cosgrove says he will stay out of political debate when he takes up the post in March, vowing to “shine a light but not to generate heat”.
The former chief of defence was officially named in the post by Tony Abbott today, a month after the appointment was flagged by The Australian.
“I can’t think of a finer Australian or a more suitable one to serve as governor-general and, in this great office, make a contribution to the leadership of our country,” the Prime Minister said.
General Cosgrove, who received the Military Cross for bravery in Vietnam and led peacekeeping forces in East Timor, will commence his five-year term in March when Kevin Rudd-appointee Quentin Bryce stands down.
Standing alongside his wife Lynne in Canberra, General Cosgrove, 66, said he was “truly humbled” by the appointment.
In contrast to Ms Bryce, who has spoken out in favour of gay marriage and an Australian republic, Mr Cosgrove said he would avoid entering the political debate.
“You are no longer a private citizen in the office of governor-general,” he said.
“I think your responsibility is to shine light but not generate heat.
“I think you’ve got to listen a lot, and take in everything you see.
“But you’re not a participant in the political process.”
Mr Cosgrove said he would base himself in Canberra, at the vice-regal residence Yarralumla, and the vast majority of his official travel would be within Australia.
His term coincides with the centenary of World War I and the anniversary of the 1915 Gallipoli landing.
General Cosgrove said the anniversary loomed large, and as a former military man, his appointment was a tribute to the nation’s defence personnel.
But he said he wanted to represent all Australians as he fulfilled his role.
“I want to be very clear that I will do my very best to be a governor-general for every part of our Australian community, for all manner of community enterprises and ventures and events,” he said.
The Prime Minister said General Cosgrove was a “remarkable Australian” who would discharge his duties as Australia’s 26th governor-general “with vigour and integrity”.
“Throughout his life he has demonstrated a commitment to our country and a commitment to service,” Mr Abbott said.
Tony Abbott’s announcement
He said the task of governor-general was “to provide leadership beyond politics”.
Acting Opposition Leader Tanya Plibersek welcomed the appointment.
“General Cosgrove reflects the best of Australia and its people,” she said.
“He has dedicated his entire adult life to serving his country, inspiring others with his determination, strength and leadership.
“We wish General Cosgrove the very best as he undertakes this new role on behalf of the Australian people.”
Mr Abbott asked former prime minister Julia Gillard not to appoint a new governor-general before the September election.
General Cosgrove had been high on the list of most likely candidates along with his successor as defence chief, Air Marshal Angus Houston, after the-then opposition leader said a former judge or military officer would be best in the office.
General Cosgrove was Australian of the Year in 2001, and led the recovery effort in far north Queensland following Cyclone Larry.
He has also served on the board of the Australian War Memorial and is a member of the NSW Anzac Centenary committee.
Mr Abbott twice backed Ms Bryce after she was caught in a bind.
The Prime Minister declined to accept her offer to resign over a conflict of interest after Bill Shorten, her son-in-law, was elected to the Labor leadership. He said that she was in an extended term not of her choosing and that she had helped during a period of political uncertainty.
Mr Abbott also refused to criticise Ms Bryce when she courted controversy in the last of her four Boyer lectures on the ABC, straying from the long-held tradition that vice-regal representatives avoid political topics.
Ms Bryce publicly embraced the vision of an Australian republic, saying she envisaged Australian children growing up to be the nation’s first head of state and appeared to throw her support behind same-sex marriage – both positions opposed by Mr Abbott.
Mr Abbott said she had performed her job with grace.
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