Former NSW governor David Hurley has been sworn in as Australia's next governor-general, taking over the reins from Sir Peter Cosgrove.
Mr Hurley was governor of NSW from 2014 until earlier this year. Before that, he served for more than four decades in the Australian Army, including three years as Defence Force chief.
Mr Hurley said he will do his best to highlight the importance of the work of governor-generals in "depicting a nation to its people".
Prime Minister Scott Morrison stands behind David Hurley ahead of his swearing in ceremony at Parliament House. Source: AAP
"Australia can be provided with a reflection of themselves and other countries," he said, paying tribute to the strength of Australia's democratic system.
"My emphasis on community engagement will sit alongside the critical constitutional role performed by the Governor-General. Australia has an enviable record as a parliamentary democracy."
Support for veterans, asylum seekers, Indigenous Australians
He said his time as NSW governor has made him acutely aware of the "richness" and cultural diversity of Australia.
"I have seen this richness of spirit at work in the people and the organisations assisting our veterans, our rural communities under stress, asylum seekers who we have welcomed into our country and our Indigenous brothers and sisters.
"There are countless organisations and people demonstrating how rich this country is every day.
"As Governor-General, I am committed absolutely to supporting these people in their work."
He was sworn in as governor-general at a ceremony in Canberra on Monday, taking over from Sir Peter who held the role for five years.
David Hurley departs NSW Government House following the end of his commission as Governor of New South Wales in Sydney, 1 May 2019. Source: AAP
Earlier this year, Mr Hurley used an Australia Day speech to call for more of a focus on indigenous languages in schools.
He has previously urged people to look beyond his military background after criticism that three of the last four governor-generals were retired army generals.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison picked Mr Hurley for the role in December.
Queen Elizabeth II with the Duke of Cambridge (right) receives the Governor-General designate of Australia, David Hurley on 12 June 2019. Source: AAP
"General Hurley is known for looking people straight in the eye. Not up and not down. He was that way with those he led in the military and he's been that way as a governor and throughout his life," Mr Morrison said at the time.
The governor-general is appointed by the Queen in Commonwealth countries, on the advice of the prime minister, to be the Crown's representative.
