New governor of Victoria reveals she is republican, but says it won’t affect her work
Monash University vice-chancellor Margaret Gardner – a self-confessed republican — has been named the 30th Governor of Victoria.
Victoria
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The next Governor of Victoria has revealed she is a republican – but has vowed to carry out her duties as the King’s representative.
Professor Margaret Gardner was named as the 30th governor of Victoria, replacing Linda Dessau at the end of the month.
It comes as Premier Daniel Andrews said he did not inform King Charles that Gardner was a republican when he recommended her to Buckingham Palace for the job.
“I didn’t necessarily broadcast that fact,” Andrews said.
“There are many different views, many different opinions, but we have constitutional arrangements, and we had to choose the very best person at this time.”
National Chair of the Australian Monarchist League Philip Benwell said it was concerning that Prof Gardner has put her view on the public record.
“We know there are many representatives of the King in this country who are republicans, but it’s not usual for that person to come out and declare themselves,” he said.
“Don’t forget that Ms Gardner will be swearing allegiance to the King upon taking her office … while being republican. Can a representative of the King have the integrity to swear allegiance?
“Until the Australian people have decided whether or not to become a republic, officials such as the Governor designate should keep their mouth shut.”
Prof Gardner – who will be paid an annual salary between $460,000 and $500,000 and take up residence in the palatial Government House, said she was committed to her duties despite her stance on the head of state.
“I am a republican, personally, but I recognise that we are living currently in a constitutional monarchy and we will do so until such time as the people decide otherwise,” she said.
“I should note that the role of Governor now is much different from when it was originally conceived.
“I particularly want to … support the volunteering spirit which is the thing in the community that helps us through times when they are tough, but it’s also through those volunteers that we come together to celebrate the great moments.”
She wants to champion Victoria’s volunteering spirit and the “hopes of the community” when her term begins in August.
Ms Dessau, previously donated a significant sum of her salary to programs associated with Government house.
It’s not yet clear if Prof Gardner will do the same.
In her previous role as Monash University vice-chancellor since 2014, Prof Gardner was on a salary of $1.4 million.
The experienced academic leader said she had a lot to learn about the role, which includes constitutional responsibilities and ceremonial procedures, but vowed to engage with all Victorian people to represent them once she takes up residence in Government House.
“The way you understand people’s circumstances is by being out and listening to them,” she said.
“That ability to learn from other people, to hear about how they are experiencing the world and what you might do to … give voice to that experience.”
Prof Gardner, is currently married to former University of Melbourne vice-chancellor and current boss of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Glyn Davis.
She acknowledged the senior Commonwealth position he held but said it would be a “separate role than the role I have in the state of Victoria”.
Mr Andrews said there would be no issues arising from Mr Davis being the top Commonwealth public servant but that it was highly unlikely Prof Gardner would be acting Governor-General while he was in that job.
He said Ms Dessau’s husband, Tony Howard, was a judge in the County Court during the early part of her first term.
“This is a modern world, often both partners in a partnership work,” he said.
On the question of a Republican being the King’s representative in Victoria, Prof Gardner said the role had broadened significantly in recent times and was not just a position of acting as a veto for the King.
Mr Andrews described Prof Gardner as a distinguished leader and academic, who has “dedicated her work to the service of others”.
He paid tribute to Ms Dessau, who finishes her time in the role at the end of the month, “for her outstanding leadership and compassion during some of our state’s most challenging times”.
Mr Andrews said Lieutenant Governor, Professor James Angus, will serve as Acting Governor until Prof Gardner’s inauguration on August 9.
Buckingham Palace said it would not comment on Ms Gardner’s background.“This would be a matter for the people of Australia,” a palace spokesman said.
Who is our next Govenor?
Margaret Gardner
Born: 1954
Occupation: Vice-chancellor, Monash University, since 2014
Previous roles: Vice-chancellor, RMIT, 2005-2014; Chair, Universities Australia; Chair, Museum Victoria
Other roles: Director, Infrastructure Victoria; Director, Group of Eight Universities
Titles: Companion of the Order of Australia, 2020; Officer of the order of Australia 2007
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