Mostyn's moment
The choice of Samantha Mostyn to be Australia's next governor-general is very on brand for Anthony Albanese.
The governor-general position in Australia is largely symbolic. But the choice of prominent corporate director and gender equality advocate Samantha Mostyn to fill the role still tells you a lot about the Albanese government, and the changing face of business in Australia.
For a strictly apolitical role, appointing a governor-general is often anything but. Prime ministers have regularly used such appointments to project a certain image.
John Howard gave the nod to senior Army officer Michael Jeffrey just months after Australia joined the invasion of Iraq. Seeking to reflect a modern Australia, Kevin Rudd made Quentin Bryce the country’s first female governor-general. Two prime ministers with a keen focus on border security, Tony Abbott and Scott Morrison, each opted for top military brass — Peter Cosgrove and David Hurley respectively.
Now Anthony Albanese has chosen a member of the corporate director’s club to occupy the highest office in the country. It's the first time a businessperson has been handed the role.
