New governor-general must leave her activism behind

While the role of governor-general is largely a formal and procedural one, he or she is still King Charles’s representative and Australia’s executive head of state. The biting cartoon by John Spooner and Janet Albrechtsen’s pointed article are therefore quite right to raise legitimate questions as to whether Sam Mostyn is the right person for this important commission (“Cushy job for the wokest of women”, 4/4).

It is not good enough for the governor-general to simply respect our Constitution and its history. He or she needs to be proud of our nation and, dare I say, actually love it. While social media cannot be relied upon as a sole guide to a person’s inner convictions, it does provide a window, and thus Mostyn previously labelling Australia Day an invasion day is concerning.

Peter Waterhouse, Craigieburn, Vic

Anthony Albanese’s appointment of Sam Mostyn demonstrates his disregard for, and detachment from, mainstream Australia.

Rather than seek to bring Australians together following the clear rejection of his voice vanity project, the Prime Minister has doubled down by appointing a former ALP staffer whose expressed views continue the politics of division that is the hallmark of the present government.

Bruce Watson, Kirribilli, NSW

The Australian’s editorial describes Australia’s new governor-general, Sam Mostyn, as an all-rounder (“Governor-general’s big challenge”, 4/4). It’s clear that over her life she has had a number of experiences. But perhaps the most difficult task will be to rein in her hitherto strongly held opinions. She must tether her activist instincts.

Kim Keogh, Claremont, WA

Thank you, Janet Albrechtsen, for your courage to bell the cat on the appointment of Sam Mostyn as governor-general. Albrechtsen has eruditely expressed the feelings of many Australians about this highly political appointment. As he did with the voice referendum, Anthony Albanese shows again that he is clueless about the mood of the people.

Australians are sick of woke activism and are rightly annoyed by this appointment.

Paul Clancy, Tanunda, SA

Janet Albrechtsen is unequivocal about the appointment of Sam Mostyn as our new governor-general. Albrechtsen writes that Mostyn reflects “the worst of modern woke Australia”. She goes on to tell us that Mostyn “is no business heavyweight” and has had just a “modestly successful career as a lawyer”. But it is when we seek a more balanced analysis of Mostyn’s career that a different picture emerges. Mostyn is the daughter of an army officer, holds arts/law degrees, and has held senior executive or directorship roles at Optus, Cable & Wireless, Virgin, Transurban and Mirvac. She has held key roles at the AFL and Sydney FC. So this remarkably well-rounded person has significant achievements across sport, business, climate change, mental health, arts and, yes Janet, women’s advocacy issues. I also note her appointment has been welcomed by Peter Cosgrove, Jeff Kennett and Mark Vaile.

Ross Cleaves, Frankston, Vic

I suspect Anthony Albanese is keenly aware that it was a governor-general who, 49 years ago, sacked Gough Whitlam (prime minister of our worst government of the last century). Reading the qualifications of Sam Mostyn to be our new governor-general, I have a sneaky suspicion that Albanese senses his own government is vying with Whitlam’s for similar odium (“Safe pair of hands at mates’ rates”, 4/4). Now he has secured a reliable insurance policy.

Michael Asten, Hawthorn, Vic

Only the Albanese government could do it; that is appoint a controversial and politically connected figure as our new governor-general. I cannot recall this appointment ever being the subject of such attention by the public.

Sam Mostyn’s track record is certainly not apolitical. Why would Anthony Albanese do this if he has genuine regard for the position? If the new governor-general speaks out in political tones, I’m not sure it will be well received by a public that is used to and expects the governor-general to be apolitical. It seems to me this is all part of the Prime Minister’s longer-term agenda, which centres on his desire to “change Australia”, as he has told us many times.

John George, Terrigal, NSW