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Sir Peter was sworn in to his new position by Chief
Justice Robert French in the Senate Chamber at Parliament
House. The ceremony took place in front of his wife, Lady
Cosgrove, Australia’s Prime Minister Tony Abbott, the Speaker of
the House Bronwyn Bishop, and members of the public in the viewing
galleries.
Cosgrove used his swearing-in address to pay tribute to Indigenous
Australians and his predecessor Dame Quentin Bryce. He went on to
say: “I pledge all of my energy and goodwill to all of the tasks of
Australia’s Governor-General, not least those working within the
wider community”.
Sir Peter arrived at Parliament House in the ceremonial Rolls-Royce
Phantom VI. The car displayed St Edward’s Crown in place of
traditional number plates, which is the norm for The Queen’s
Representative’s car. The Rolls-Royce is used for state occasions
like the opening of Parliament. On arrival, Cosgrove inspected the
federation guard and received a 21 gun salute.
Upon taking up the job as the new Governor-General, Sir Peter was
made a Knight of the Order of Australia after
Prime Minister Tony Abbott had Her Majesty amend the letters
patent in order to reintroduce the once abolished honours
order.
The role of the Governor-General in Australia has remained
relatively the same since its creation. It’s main role is to
represent The Monarch in Australia. The Governor-General undertakes
similar duties as Her Majesty The Queen in the United Kingdom, such
as providing Royal Ascent to bills, touring the country and meeting
people, holding investitures, greeting and entertaining
dignitaries, and opening Parliament.
Photo credit: United States Studies
Centre via photopin cc]]>
