Samantha Mostyn wore her heart on her lapel, as she stood in the Senate Chamber on July 1 to be sworn in as Australia’s 28th Governor-General.
Her navy suit was custom made by The Social Outfit, which repurposes discarded clothing and supports women refugees. It was sewn by a tailor the organisation had trained from a pattern provided by Bianca Spender, who is an ambassador to the social enterprise.
On her lapel, the Governor-General wore a sprig of wattle gathered from the gardens of Government House. Her husband, the barrister Simeon Beckett, and their daughter, Lotte, wore wattle too.
Ms Mostyn said that, in the time that had passed since the Prime Minister’s announcement of her appointment, she had travelled the country, speaking to Australians from all walks of life about their concerns, and what they hoped for in a Governor-General.
“The beauty of Australians is our ability to pull together, often despite our differences,” she explained. “I’ve had engaging discussions with farmers about the challenges of climate change, listened deeply to young people talking enthusiastically about civics and democracy and intergenerational fairness. I spent time listening carefully to single mothers and domestic violence survivors, and shared coffees and stories in men’s sheds.”
And as she travelled, she was struck by bright sprays of wattle, our national flower, and “an explosion of colour and optimism in the bush”.
Later, in the Great Hall of Parliament House, Ms Mostyn told the crowd that had gathered about her first encounter, at just ten years old, with the role of Governor-General.
“I’ll never forget it,” she said with a smile. “From a bed in the casualty department of Woden Hospital, I watched live coverage of the 1975 dismissal as my broken ankle was being set in plaster.”
Were it not for that enforced introduction to the workings of the democratic process, she says, she doesn’t imagine she’d have been all that interested in politics. But just a few months later, her primary school class visited Parliament House and “I was hooked”.
But who is Samantha Mostyn?
The daughter of an army officer, Ms Mostyn says that her “parents instilled in us the values that they lived so consistently – generosity, care for others, respect, curiosity, being of service to society, and always humility.”
A lawyer by training, she has worked extensively in the law, business and politics, including a role in the office of Prime Minister Paul Keating. More recently she chaired the Federal Government’s Women’s Economic Opportunities Taskforce. But she is perhaps best known for her dedication to community organisations and volunteering.
Ms Mostyn has chaired not-for-profit boards, including Beyond Blue, has been President of the Australian Council for International Development and Chief Executive Women. She was also a National Mental Health Commissioner. She was the first female Australian Football League (AFL) Commissioner and a driving force behind the AFL Women’s (AFLW).
And this work was not always in boardrooms. Far from it.
The Addison Road Community Centre, which support battlers in the inner west of Sydney, shared: “We’ve got to know Sam very well since she first started coming here as a volunteer to help pack hampers for people during the bushfires, followed by the lockdowns during COVID, and again when floods caused so much suffering.
“Sam has also been a regular visitor at our Wednesday Night Lights where we partner with Streetside Medics to provide free medical assistance while offering free meals and keeping our Addi Road Food Pantry and its low-cost grocery service open late for those battling against the cost-of-living crisis. Every time we do something that matters Sam is there in some way …”
There was some criticism, when Ms Mostyn’s appointment was first announced, from voices on the far right complaining that she was too “woke” to be a Governor-General for all Australians – a charge she has denied.
“I look forward to representing the values, hopes and aspirations of all Australians,” she said. “I will never underestimate or take for granted the expectations that come with high office and I’m ready to serve with integrity, compassion and respect … I can think of no greater purpose than to serve this country I love as Governor-General, particularly at a time in our history when the challenges and opportunities we face are large and complex.”
And she has been welcomed to the role from all sides of mainstream politics.
“Your Excellency,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said at her investiture, “you are a person of intelligence and compassion. Of loyalty and integrity. You have clear eyes and a big heart and both have shaped your vision of who and what we can be as a nation.”
Peter Dutton described Ms Mostyn as “a distinguished Australian. Someone who is worthy of the distinguished office of Governor-General. Someone who will serve it with distinction as she always has done in her public life.”
Malcolm Turnbull said, “Sam is a great choice as Governor-General. She commands enormous respect throughout the community. Both [my wife] Lucy and I have worked with her and known her for many years, and I have no doubt she will fulfil that role with great success.”
And from beyond the world of politics, one-time Socceroo and humanitarian Craig Foster noted, “An inspired choice in Samantha Mostyn, a genuine, beautiful human who cares about others.”
While actor and comedian Magda Szubanski added with her inimitable enthusiasm, “OMG this is THE BEST bloody news EVAH!! Sam Mostyn is one of THE most decent, kind, sane, intelligent humans on the planet and is a brilliant choice for G-G! Huzzah!!”
Is Sam Mostyn married?
Yes, as aforementioned, Samantha Mostyn is married to leading public law barrister Simeon Beckett. They share a 24-year-old daughter named Lotte.
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