New Governor of Victoria Margaret Gardner sworn in at Parliament House inauguration

Victoria’s new governor, Professor Margaret Gardner, says her republican stance will not hamper her from fulfilling her duties as she pledged allegiance to King Charles III at her inauguration.

New governor Margaret Gardner has vowed to engage with all Victorians and bring people together following a ceremony marking her inauguration.

Professor Gardner became the 30th Governor of Victoria shortly before 11.30am after pledging allegiance to King Charles III.

She vowed not to let her republican leanings get in the way of the job.

“You can be sure that I will be following all the appropriate protocols and all the things required, constitutionally, in order to fulfil the role appropriately,” she said.

“I have been made governor in a constitutional monarchy and there are protocols in terms of engagement (with the King). They will be followed appropriately.”

Governor-designate Margaret Gardner arrives at Parliament House for her inauguration. #springstpic.twitter.com/WpuG6rViyh

— Shannon Deery (@s_deery) August 9, 2023

Professor Gardner was sworn in at a ceremony at Parliament House attended by former premiers Jeff Kennett, Ted Baillieu and John Brumby, and former governors David de Kretser and Alex Chernov.

Former Governor-General Peter Hollingworth, Steve Bracks’ wife Terry Bracks, acting Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece and former police chief Christine Nixon were also among an estimated 300 invited guests.

Professor Gardner arrives at Victorian parliament. Picture: David Geraghty

Premier Daniel Andrews and Professor Gardner. Picture: David Geraghty

Professor Gardner described the ceremony as a surreal experience.

“I think one would be an unusual person … if you didn’t feel nervousness or if you didn’t feel that sort of surprise that sits within you about being granted such an honour,” she said.

“There’s that point at which you’re standing outside yourself and saying, is this really me?”

Thanking former governor Linda Dessau for her eight years of service, Premier Daniel Andrews welcomed Professor Gardner to the role.

“I think Victorians will have in the 30th governor someone who is passionate, someone who speaks to our values, and will be all about making sure that there is a culture of listening, a culture of engagement, moving throughout the state, learning and understanding, gathering up the wisdom of Victorians so that we can be an even stronger and fairer place,” he said.