Former Governor-General David Hurley: ‘I have seen Australians achieve amazing outcomes’

‘We can reach great heights and yet be deeply disappointing ... but I have seen Australians achieve amazing outcomes,’ writes former Governor-General David Hurley.

We are a weird mob. We can be brilliant and yet we can be frustrating. We can reach great heights and yet be deeply disappointing. We are a multicultural island nation, bound, particularly when needs must, by common purpose and values and yet at times seemingly divided into an island of nations. But amidst these contradictory and conflicting characteristics there lies enormous potential and possibility. The opportunity to watch and participate in the interplay of these characteristics over the last 20 years has reinforced in me the criticality of our freedoms and the quality of our people, and as such has made me proud to be an Australian.

David Hurley as Governor-General of Australia signing a book of condolence following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Picture: David Parry / Getty

Linda and I have visited too many disaster scenes. Each visit has, however, reinforced our appreciation for the many strengths that Australians possess. Similarly, in our visits to numerous institutions and organisations that are driving change through research and action in

health, education, family welfare and so many other fields, we were humbled by the passion and energy we witnessed. In my military life I have seen Australians achieve amazing outcomes through their pragmatism, down- to-earth style and humanity. You cannot have these experiences and not be proud of your countrymen and women.

I often quoted from Dorothy Mackellar’s My Country in my speeches as Governor-General. Not from the beginning of her poem but from its conclusion. Mackellar reminds us that for all the tribulations our country sets upon us, “she pays us back threefold”. I am convinced that it is not just the natural characteristics of our country that provides a threefold return but the quality of our people. Depend on them and they will pay you back threefold.

David Hurley was Australian Governor-General from 2019 to 2024.