The King's new Governor-General calls Australia Day 'invasion day'

Australian tennis fans show their support for the British monarchy. Photo: GRAHAM DENHOLM/GETTY

The republican who once called Australia Day an «invasion day» has been appointed to represent King Charles.

Samantha Mostyn, a lawyer and businesswoman, has been appointed as the new Governor-General by Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Wednesday. Ms Mostyn, 58, who will take up her new role in July 2024, said: “I will never underestimate or take for granted the expectations that come with a senior position. and I am ready to serve with integrity, compassion and respect.»

Mr Albanese described his appointee as «an exceptional leader who represents the best of modern Australia.»

He added: «She has lived her life in service to a powerful Australian principle: when more people have the opportunity to realize our potential, we are becoming a better nation.»

The appointment has raised eyebrows among some Conservatives because of Ms Mostyn's earlier statements in favor of abandoning the monarchy.

>Samantha Mostyn said she would serve «with integrity, compassion and respect»; Photo: PA

In 2020, she described Labor's Paul Keating, the former leader of Australia, as «a prime minister for our country who can really articulate his ambitions for the country.» And those were the things that really excited me. He clearly wanted a republic.»

In her now-deleted social media post, she also referred to Australia Day, the national holiday commemorating the landing of the first British colonists in 1788, as «invasion day».

Conservative lobby group Advance Australia said The Australian newspaper reported that Ms Mostyn had been appointed on a larger salary to «represent an organization she does not believe in».

However, Conservative Opposition Leader Peter Dutton welcomed the appointment.

Known locally at home with her work advocating for climate change and gender equality, Ms Mostyn was also the first woman to serve on the governing body of the Australian Football League.

She will become the country's second female Governor-General after Dame Quentin Bryce held the post from 2008 to 2014.

The Albana government has indicated its interest in holding a referendum on whether Australia should become a republic.

However, earlier in 2024, the Minister government said that holding a vote on the removal of Charles III as head of state «is not a priority.»