Peter Cosgrove named as next governor-general, will replace Quentin Bryce in March

Updated

Australia's next governor-general Peter Cosgrove has vowed to steer clear of politics when he takes up the role, saying his job will be to "hold up a mirror" to the nation.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott has announced the former Defence Force chief will replace Quentin Bryce, whose five-and-a-half-year term ends in March.

The highly decorated retired military officer says he is humbled and honoured to have been offered the role.

"My approach to this job will be of course as I've approached all those times when I've been asked to serve Australia," General Cosgrove told journalists at Parliament House.

"It will get my total commitment, all the energy I've got, good humour, and with an unfailing optimism that this is a great nation which will only get better."

General Cosgrove rose to prominence as commander of the international peacekeeping effort in East Timor in 1999 and was later appointed as chief of the Defence Force in 2002.

Mr Abbott has paid tribute to General Cosgrove's long military service, saying he cannot think of a better person to take on the role of governor-general.

"He has given service of the very highest order to our country," Mr Abbott said.

"I am confident that in this new role he will continue to deliver to a grateful nation leadership beyond politics.

"I can't think of a better way to start the year, and I can't think of a better person to do this very important job."

In announcing the appointment, Mr Abbott thanked Ms Bryce, saying she has discharged her duties with grace and distinction.

Ms Bryce copped criticism in November when she publicly backed the idea of Australia becoming a republic and came out in support of same-sex marriage.

General Cosgrove says he intends to leave the "vexed political issues" to elected MPs.

"I think your responsibility is to shine light, but not to generate heat," he said.

"I think you've got to listen a lot and take in everything that you see, but you're not a participant in the political process."

On the issue of whether Australia should cut ties with the British monarchy and become a republic, General Cosgrove says his "guiding light" would be the will of the people.

Desire to spend time in Indigenous communities

His appointment as the Queen's representative in Australia comes as the nation prepares to commemorate the centenary of the Gallipoli landing in 2015.

General Cosgrove has described his elevation to the role as a "salute" to the men and women who continue to serve in the Defence Force, saying he intends to visit various military bases during his term.

He has also expressed a desire to spend time in remote Aboriginal communities with Australian of the Year and Indigenous footballer Adam Goodes.

"I was talking with the Prime Minister about that yesterday, and if that suits his program, I think it would be a wonderful thing for Adam and I to go to see some of the stressed Indigenous communities to see what their conditions are like."

Howard praises choice of Cosgrove

Former prime minister John Howard appointed General Cosgrove as chief of the Defence Force in 2002, and has expressed his strong support.

"He and his charming wife Lynne will be magnificent occupants of Yarralumla, and I'm personally delighted and I congratulate him," Mr Howard told journalists in Sydney.

"One of the things that has impressed me about the man is his capacity to mix with all sections of the Australian community.

"He really does have that great capacity.

"He has the common touch, but he's got strength and dignity, and that's just the right combination for such as position."

Mr Howard, who is himself an avid sports fan, also noted that General Cosgrove is a keen follower of sport.

"That's quite important in the governor-generalship of Australia - we are a sporting nation," he said.

Labor has also welcomed the appointment, describing General Cosgrove as a "capable, eminent and respected Australian".

"General Cosgrove reflects the best of Australia and its people," Acting Opposition Leader Tanya Plibersek said.

"He has dedicated his entire adult life to serving his country, inspiring others with his determination, strength and leadership."

She has also thanked Ms Bryce, saying she has represented the country with grace and honour.

"Ms Bryce is Australia's first female Governor-General and has brought a renewed sense of respect and appreciation to Australia's highest office, in particular, serving as a role model and mentor to Australian women," she said.

Republicans say wrong job for good person

The Australian Republican Movement has congratulated General Cosgrove following the announcement, but says it would be even better if there was an Australian as head of state.

"This is a case of a good person but wrong job," Australian Republican Movement chairman Geoff Gallop said.

"While the governor-general is the Queen's representative, no matter how distinguished the person, the role just doesn't fit modern, equal-opportunity Australia.

"We could and should do better."

General Cosgrove retired as chief of the Defence Force in 2005, but in 2007 was asked to lead the recovery taskforce after Cyclone Larry devastated far north Queensland.

In recognition for his service, a suburb in Townsville was named in his honour.

He has also been active on various company boards, but resigned his position as a non-executive director of Qantas.

The airline's chairman, Leigh Clifford, has congratulated General Cosgrove on his appointment.

"Australia is indeed fortunate to have a person of Peter's calibre to take on such an important role," he said in a statement.

"Peter has a distinguished record as a military leader and in a range of corporate and community roles, including more than eight years on the Qantas board."

General Cosgrove will be the 26th governor-general, but only the 12th to have been born in Australia. Fourteen were born in the United Kingdom.

Topics: governors-general-and-state-governors, government-and-politics, federal-government, royal-and-imperial-matters, constitution, australia

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