Indigenous governor-general a fitting sign of our maturity as nation

Indigenous leaders Noel Pearson, Professor Marcia Langton and Senator Patrick Dodson are among the worthy First Nations candidates for the G-G role.

Labor has finally started the economic and cultural revolution it was always capable of despite the small-target election campaign. Fresh from doing super, Labor’s brains trust is turning its mind to institutions that need a cultural tune-up. The big one is who should be the next governor-general. David Hurley’s five-year term finishes in mid-2024 and under protocols the palace must be notified of a replacement in the second half of this year.

Hurley blotted his copybook by swearing in PM Scott Morrison to five portfolios. This led to the Bell inquiry, which concluded this should never be allowed again.

Governor-general is a key role that says much about the nation we are, projecting an international image on to the world stage.

The office hasn’t been without scandal, perhaps no worse than the high-handed archbishop Peter Hollingworth, who was criticised for sullying such high office by defending historical sex abuse claims in the Anglican Church.

Labor, ever since the dismissal of Gough Whitlam by the rarely sober John Kerr, has always had a wary view of the powers of the position. Whitlam’s famous sledge of Malcolm Fraser, calling him “Kerr’s cur”, and the indomitable words, “God save the Queen, because nothing will save the governor-general”, are etched into every young Laborite’s memory.

There have been magnificent recent holders of the office, such as General Peter Cosgrove and the first woman to hold the position, Quentin Bryce.

David Hurley’s five-year term finishes in mid-2024. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

Like appointing High Court judges, the Albanese government has an opportunity to install a lasting legacy. Party hacks and insiders are positioning Julia Gillard as the next woman for the role, especially after Kevin Rudd was so neatly dispatched to Washington to gag him from a running commentary on her candidacy – Penny Wong’s sublime planning to help a fellow sister.

Jim Chalmers, while fighting the cost of living and having conversations about super and taxing the family home, has been pushing former WA governor and his former boss, Kim “Bomber” Beazley, who is sharpening up his Canberra CV with a gig running the War Memorial and formally recognising the Frontier Wars.

The Frontier Wars were armed conflict between European-Australians and First Nations that saw massacres and slaughters by the Native Mounted Police in Queensland over 40 years, only ending formally in 1900. These wars should provide inspiration for who should be the next G-G.

This year we will get to vote Yes to the voice thanks to Anthony Albanese. In South Australia, Queensland and Victoria the process of truth and treaty is well under way where reparations can finally be made to First Nations peoples in our country. So, what stronger symbol of reconciliation and how far we have progressed as a country would it be to have our first First Nations governor-general? This doesn’t need a vote, it just requires the PM’s recommendation to King Charles III.

Albanese would go down in the pantheon of Labor if he were to appoint Gillard or Beazley, but he would be lauded in international forums such as the UN if he selects a First Nations G-G.

Australia is blessed with some of the most articulate and natural leaders in those working to make the Uluru Statement from the Heart a permanent part of the parliament and government. Champions such as Noel Pearson and Megan Davis spring to mind.

Pearson has spent his entire adult life advancing the interests of First Nations people not only from Cape York, but across Australia. His elevation, having fought the Wik case and formed the Cape York Land Council would be a fitting recognition.

Davis or Marcia Langton would provide gender balance as well as First Nations representation. A more political choice would be former Liberal minister Ken Wyatt. Albanese could also look to the Labor Party to provide a First Nations candidate. The Father of Reconciliation, Pat Dodson, already sits in the Senate and would make an inspired choice.

Labor also boasts Malarndirri McCarthy, its senator from the NT, as well as Rio Tinto director and former WA Labor treasurer Ben Wyatt as candidates. Linda Burney, after having delivered the voice in September, would also make a great candidate. These are just a few of the worthy First Nations candidates for the G-G role.

The opportunity for reconciliation and showing the PM’s true virtues would be to say it has to be a First Nations person in the position. The political icing for Albo would be appointing a Labor First Nations person to the role.