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Sir Peter Cosgrove sworn in as Australia's new Governor-General

<![CDATA[Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC was sworn in as Australia's 26th Governor-General on the 28th March, after the retirement of Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO.
Governor-General Peter Cosgrove AC MC, was sworn in on Friday at a ceremony at Parliament House.
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]]>