New governor-general Sam Mostyn and the battle for relevance

The appointment is a testament not just to her own credentials but also to the need to modernise the office of the governor-general, experts say.

Hannah Wootton and Sally Patten

Apr 5, 2024 – 2.35pm

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Ask former Sex Discrimination Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick about Sam Mostyn’s appointment as governor-general this week, and she has a simple response: “An inspired choice”.

It’s not because of Mostyn’s integrity, empathy or strong sense of public service – though all three have been praised through corporate and political circles this week – or even because of their 15-year friendship.

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Hannah WoottonColumnistHannah Wootton is a Rear Window columnist, based in Melbourne.

Sally PattenBOSS editorSally Patten edits BOSS, and writes about workplace issues. She was the financial services editor and personal finance editor of the AFR, The Age and the Sydney Morning Herald. She edited business news for The Times of London.