On behalf of the Federal Opposition, I congratulate General (retd) David Hurley on his appointment as Australia’s next Governor-General. 

General Hurley has dedicated his life to serving Australia, including decades in the Defence Force and then as Governor of New South Wales.  

The Opposition was informed of the announcement this morning. 

While I am pleased the Prime Minister received approval from the United Kingdom for this merited appointment, I hope this is the last time an Australian Prime Minister has to call Buckingham Palace for permission.

We are a country that can stand on its own two feet: an Australian Republic with an Australian head of state.

That’s what the next Labor Government is determined to deliver.