Madonna King: These are the top 10 contenders vying to replace Dr Jeannette Young as Qld governor

While Dr Jeannette Young AC may be reappointed, the money in George Street and beyond is on the Crisafulli government choosing a new governor, Madonna King writes. Cast your vote now.

Qld Governor Dr Jeannette Young AC. Picture: Glenn Campbell

It’s still more than a year to go, but that hasn’t stopped those in power in George Street looking around at who might be Queensland’s next Governor.

It’s the State’s top post, and comes with some big perks - particularly the real estate that sits atop Fernberg Road in inner city Brisbane.

But it also comes with some onerous constitutional, community and ceremonial roles - from signing laws, to visiting far-flung parts of Queensland to pinning hundreds of medals on those whose work or bravery warrants recognition.

Traditionally, governors have been from military or legal backgrounds but this is less the case. And despite the governor being the choice of the premier, they are usually always seen as politically independent.

Each of our previous governors have brought their own expertise: former judges like Paul De Jersey and clever diplomats like Penelope Wensley used it to craft public policy changes; others like Jeannette Young AC and Quentin Bryce focused on the community role - visiting places across the State, and welcoming the heartbroken and the triumphant into their public home.

Dr Young was sworn in, in 2021, meaning accepted convention will end her term next year. These appointments are usually made a long way out, and while the current governor may be reappointed, the money in George Street and beyond is on the Crisafulli Government choosing a new Governor.

What Premier wouldn’t?

Young is not a lawyer, and is doing a stellar job, opening up the post - like some before her - to others who might need to have constitutional advice on standby, but community respect in spades. This is replicated across the country, in several states.

So who might fit that bill in Queensland?

Peter Varghese AO Chancellor of The University of Queensland

Peter Coaldrake. Picture: David Clark

Here’s my top ten that David Crisafulli could - and should - consider.

Professor Ian Frazer AC, a clinician scientist who co-invented the cervical cancer vaccine, which has saved millions of lives around the world. He and his wife Caroline are also big supporters of the arts.

Peter Varghese AO, our Kenyan-born quietly-spoken University of Queensland chancellor, who has also served as an Australian diplomat and secretary of the department of foreign affairs and trade.

Denise OAM or Bruce Morcombe OAM. Take your pick. Co-founders of the Daniel Morecombe Foundation they have traveled across Queensland arming parents, educators and children with the knowledge they need to keep their families safe.

Tim Fairfax AC, or his wife Gina AC; both generous philanthropists who have devoted their lives to giving back to Queensland. Tim has held top posts ahead of the Queensland Art Gallery Foundation, the National Gallery of Australia, Foundation of Rural and Regional Renewal, Salvation Army Advisory Board, Australia Philanthropic Services, and the University of the Sunshine Coast.

Dr Dimity Dornan AO is a social entrepreneur, bionics advocate, speech pathologist and founder and director of Hear and Say, and has changed the lives of thousands of children and young adults.

Daniel and Bruce and Denise Morcombe.

Mount Isa-born Greg Norman AO. Norman grew up in Townsville before moving to Brisbane as a teen. Known worldwide for his golfing and business acumen, his appointment could be a stunning launch-pad for Brisbane to host the 2032 Games.

Ash Barty AO. Yes, she’s a young parent, but why should that exclude her? Barty’s breadth of talent, her work with children and Indigenous communities and commitment to giving back makes her a wonderful candidate.

Emeritus Professor Peter Coaldrake AO is an author and academic, former vice-chancellor of QUT, and chair of the Board of the Queensland Performing Arts Trust. His focus on culture and accountability is widely admired.

Deborah Mailman AM, an Australian film and television actor who has helped shape pop culture. Mailman has both Aboriginal and Maori heritage, and was also born in Mt Isa. She is a QUT graduate.

Former police commissioner Ian Stewart. Picture: Liam Kidston

Tennis legend Ash Barty.

Ian Stewart AO, retired Queensland Police Commissioner who has also served as State Disaster Coordinator. He is chair of Crime Stoppers Queensland and Crime Stoppers Australia.

There are dozens more. While Tony Fitzgerald AC would have been a deserving Governor, at 83 years, it might be a tough ask. And like many above, he might eschew the publicity that comes with doing a job.

But our State is packed with folk who belong at Government House, where their expertise and skills could help so many others.

Two of the Crisafulli Government’s recent appointments - John Sosso as a non-judicial member of the Queensland Redistribution Commission and Julian Simmonds, a former LNP, as CEO of Economic Development Queensland - has led to accusations they are based on politics, not merit.

The Government cannot allow that to happen with the appointment of a new governor, who belongs to all of us.

So who would you urge Mr Crisafulli appoint?

- Madonna King co-authored The Governors of Modern Queensland, published in 2021.