SA Governor Hieu Van Le gets the green light to continue his term, remain in the mansion until 2021
SA Governor Hieu Van Le’s term has been extended to seven years, keeping him in the job until August 2021.
Governor Hieu Van Le says he will continue promote SA’s “wonderfully diverse, dynamic and harmonious community” after accepting an offer to remain in the role for a further two years.
Mr Le issued a rare statement on Monday morning after The Advertiser revealed a request by Premier Steven Marshall to extend his term to August 31, 2021 had been accepted by Queen Elizabeth.
Mr Le said it was a “great privilege” to be asked to stay on.
“To have been appointed to this office filled me with humility and honour,” he said.
“I was and remain fully aware of the responsibilities to the people of South Australia which have been entrusted to me.
“I will continue to discharge these constitutional, and together with my wife Lan, ceremonial and community duties, with commitment and pride.
“We will continue to draw strength and inspiration from the stories of the South Australians we meet, from all backgrounds and walks of life.
“I believed then and continue to believe that my appointment was a powerful symbol reflecting the inclusive and egalitarian society we enjoy in our state.
“Lan and I will continue to contribute all that we can to promote and advance our wonderfully diverse, dynamic and harmonious community.”
Despite fevered speculation about a possible changing of the guard, The Advertiser revealed on Monday that Mr Le, whose annual salary is $344,130, will stay in the job until August 31, 2021.
It is understood the State Government made the decision last month, but withheld an announcement pending official correspondence with Buckingham Palace.
Mr Le was sworn in as SA’s Lieutenant Governor in 2007, before being elevated to the top vice-regal role in 2014 on expectation of serving a standard five-year term.
It’s understood uncertainty about his willingness to remain beyond the standard tenure led to deliberations about possible replacements.
However, well-placed sources said Cabinet backing for an extension was “a done deal” once Mr Le confirmed he was willing to continue.
His predecessor, former Navy officer Kevin Scarce, also accepted a two-year extension after his initial term concluded in 2012. Mr Le’s total length of service in a vice-regal position will now be extended to 14 years, which would become the longest continuing period in SA’s history.
With the next state election in March 2022, Premier Steven Marshall will now have the option of making a longer-term appointment just ahead of going to the polls.
Mr Marshall yesterday said Mr Le was an excellent Governor who combined a remarkable life story with unquestioned work ethic and dedication.
“His personal story is an inspiration to everybody in SA,” Mr Marshall said. “The number of functions that he does per year is extraordinary. I am delighted that will continue.”
Since winning the election last year, Mr Marshall has reinstated full Executive Council meetings once a week, in which Mr Le chairs a discussion of the full Cabinet.
Mr Le has also accepted positions on overseas missions representing SA, including recently opening a new trade office in Tokyo.
Former foreign minister Julie Bishop was mentioned in speculation about replacements, as well as former senator Amanda Vanstone and businesswoman Carolyn Hewson.