The Australian Republic Movement has acknowledged the announcement Samantha Mostyn AO will serve as the next Governor-General of Australia.
National Director and CEO Isaac Jeffrey said: "A statement this morning from Buckingham Palace announcing the King of Australia has appointed his local representative is yet another reminder that Australia is still a dominion of the former British Empire.
"The fact an English aristocrat 17,000 kilometres away is still involved in our system of government is frankly absurd. It's 2024 and our elected Prime Minister still needs to ask our King's permission to appoint people to high office. Surely it's time for Australians to make these decisions, not foreign Kings.
"Samantha Mostyn is an exceptional Australian. She's held senior roles in business, sport and government. She's been a passionate advocate for diversity and equality, women's issues, climate change and domestic violence survivors. Samantha is the very model of a modern Head of State, one who should have been elected to serve as Australia's Head of State, not simply appointed to represent him.
"An Australian republic would honour people like Samantha by electing them on merit to represent Australia. I wish Samantha all the best in the role and hope she'll be the last Governor-General and perhaps the first Australian President.
"I want to extend our thanks to outgoing Governor-General David Hurley who has served the nation, including his 42 years in the Australian Defence Force, with distinction. We wish him all the best for the future."
Co-Chair Craig Foster added: "Sam Mostyn is an inspired choice to serve as Governor-General. She is someone who is a genuine, beautiful human being who cares about others.
"Sam is someone that I'm sure Australians would choose as Head of State if we had the choice, rather than asking for approval of a King. In fact, Sam would be a wonderful President of an Australian republic."
