David Hurley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
General The Honourable
David Hurley
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Official portrait, 2019
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| 27th Governor-General of Australia | |
| In office 1 July 2019 – 1 July 2024 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II Charles III |
| Prime Minister | Scott Morrison Anthony Albanese |
| Preceded by | Sir Peter Cosgrove |
| Succeeded by | Sam Mostyn |
| 38th Governor of New South Wales | |
| In office 2 October 2014 – 1 May 2019 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Premier | Mike Baird Gladys Berejiklian |
| Lieutenant | Tom Bathurst |
| Preceded by | Dame Marie Bashir |
| Succeeded by | Margaret Beazley |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
David John Hurley
26 August 1953 Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia |
| Spouse |
Linda McMartin
(m. 1977) |
| Children | 3 |
| Signature |  |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Australia |
| Branch/service | Australian Army |
| Years of service | 1972–2014 |
| Rank | General |
| Commands | Chief of the Defence Force (2011–2014) Vice Chief of the Defence Force (2008–2011) Chief of Joint Operations (2007–2008) Chief of Capability Development Group (2003–2007) Land Commander Australia (2002–2003) 1st Brigade (1999–2000) 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (1991–1993) |
| Battles/wars | Operation Solace |
| Awards | Companion of the Order of Australia Distinguished Service Cross Knight of the Order of Saint John |
David John Hurley (born 26 August 1953) is an Australian who had a long career in the Australian Army. He served as the 27th Governor-General of Australia from 2019 to 2024. Before that, he was the 38th Governor of New South Wales from 2014 to 2019.
David Hurley spent 42 years in the military. He was part of Operation Solace in Somalia in 1993. He also led important military groups, including the 1st Brigade. He became the first Chief of Capability Development Group. He also served as Chief of Joint Operations and Vice Chief of the Defence Force. His military career ended when he became the Chief of the Defence Force in 2011.
After leaving the army in June 2014, Hurley became the Governor of New South Wales. He took over from Marie Bashir in October 2014. His time as Governor ended in May 2019. He was then chosen by Queen Elizabeth II to be the Governor-General. He started this role in July 2019 and finished in July 2024. Sam Mostyn took over from him.
Contents
Early Life and Education
David John Hurley was born on 26 August 1953. This happened in Wollongong, New South Wales. His parents were Norma and James Hurley. His father worked in a steel factory. His mother worked in a grocery store.
Hurley grew up in Port Kembla. He went to Port Kembla High School. He finished high school in 1971. Later, he studied at the Royal Military College, Duntroon. He also earned a degree from Deakin University.
David Hurley is married to Linda McMartin. They have three children together.
Military Career Highlights
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Hurley joined the Royal Military College, Duntroon in January 1972. He became an officer cadet there. In December 1975, he became a lieutenant in the Royal Australian Infantry Corps. His first job was with the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR).
He was promoted to captain. He worked with the Sydney University Regiment. He also spent time with a British Army unit, the 1st Battalion, Irish Guards.
Leading the 1st Battalion
As a lieutenant colonel, Hurley led the 1RAR from 1991 to 1993. He commanded this group during Operation Solace in Somalia in 1993. For his brave service there, he received the Distinguished Service Cross.
Becoming a Brigadier
After being promoted to colonel, Hurley became the Chief of Staff for the 1st Division in 1994. He also studied at the United States Army War College. In January 1999, as a brigadier, he took command of the 1st Brigade in Darwin. He helped prepare the brigade for operations in East Timor.
High-Ranking Military Roles
Hurley became a major general in 2001. He then served as Land Commander Australia. He was promoted to lieutenant general. He took on new important roles like Chief of Capability Development Group and Chief of Joint Operations. In July 2008, he became Vice Chief of the Defence Force.
Chief of the Defence Force
On 4 July 2011, David Hurley was promoted to general. He became the Chief of the Defence Force (CDF). This is the highest military position in Australia. He served for 40 years in the Australian Defence Force. He received several international awards during this time. Hurley retired from the Australian Army on 30 June 2014. Mark Binskin took over as CDF.
General David Morrison, who was named Australian of the Year in 2016, often used a quote from Hurley. The quote was: "the standard you walk past is the standard you accept." This phrase became very well known.
Governor of New South Wales
On 5 June 2014, it was announced that David Hurley would become the next Governor of New South Wales. He officially started this role on 2 October 2014. He took over from Dame Marie Bashir. In March 2015, he was made a Knight of the Order of St John.
Governor-General of Australia
On 16 December 2018, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that David Hurley would be the next Governor-General of Australia. He started this important role on 1 July 2019. He was the first Governor-General born during Queen Elizabeth II's reign. Margaret Beazley became the new Governor of New South Wales.
Hurley was sworn in at Parliament House, Canberra. His first words were spoken in the language of the local Aboriginal people, the Ngunnawal language. In September 2019, he gave a speech in Indonesian at an event.
Responding to Emergencies
In March 2020, a national health emergency was declared in Australia. This was because of the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia. The Governor-General can declare such an emergency if the Health Minister believes there is a serious threat to health across the country. Hurley made this declaration under the Biosecurity Act 2015.
Later Years as Governor-General
During his time as Governor-General, Hurley supported a leadership program. This program received funding, but it was later cancelled. The government decided it was not good value for money.
Hurley was also involved when former Prime Minister Scott Morrison secretly took on extra ministerial roles. An investigation found that criticism of Hurley's part in this was not fair. In June 2022, Hurley apologised for writing a good review for a builder. The builder then used this review in their advertisements.
Honours and Awards
David Hurley has received many honours and awards for his service. These include:
- Companion of the Order of Australia (AC)
- Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)
- Knight of the Order of St John
- Various service medals from Australia.
- Awards from other countries, such as France, the United States, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, the Netherlands, and Timor-Leste.
He also received the Meritorious Unit Citation with the Federation Star. This was awarded to the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment for their excellent service in Somalia.
Honorary Degrees
Hurley has received special honorary degrees from several universities:
- 2013: Honorary Doctor of Letters from the University of Wollongong.
- 2015: Honorary Doctorate of the University from the University of New South Wales.
- 2017: Honorary Doctorate of the University from Macquarie University.
Honorary Appointments
David Hurley has held many honorary positions, showing his connection to different groups:
- Honorary Colonel of the Sydney University Regiment.
- Chief Scout of Scouts Australia NSW and later Chief Scout of Australia.
- Honorary Colonel of the Royal New South Wales Regiment.
- Honorary Air Commodore of No. 22 Squadron Royal Australian Air Force.
- Prior of the Order of St John.
- Governor of the New South Wales Police Force.
- Patron of Rugby Australia.
- Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Australian Army Medical Corps.
- Colonel of the Regiment of the Royal Australian Regiment.
Images for kids
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The coat of arms of David Hurley, created when he was Governor of New South Wales.
See also
In Spanish: David Hurley para niños
