Sam Mostyn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sam Mostyn
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Official portrait, 2024
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| 28th Governor-General of Australia | |
| Assumed office 1 July 2024 |
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| Monarch | Charles III |
| Prime Minister | Anthony Albanese |
| Preceded by | David Hurley |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Samantha Joy Mostyn
13 September 1965 Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia |
| Spouse | Simeon Beckett |
| Children | 1 |
| Education | Australian National University (BA, LLB) |
Samantha "Sam" Joy Mostyn (born 13 September 1965) is an Australian businesswoman and leader who became the 28th governor-general of Australia on 1 July 2024. The governor-general is the representative of the King in Australia.
Mostyn is known for supporting important causes like fighting climate change and promoting gender equality. She was the first woman to be a commissioner for the Australian Football League (AFL). She has also been a leader for many well-known companies and groups, including the Sydney Swans football club, Virgin Australia, and the Climate Council.
The Mostyn Medal, an award for the best and fairest player in the Sydney Swans women's team (AFLW), is named in her honour.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Samantha Joy Mostyn was born in Canberra on 13 September 1965. She is the oldest of four sisters. Her father, Bill Mostyn, was a colonel in the Australian Army for nearly 40 years. He served in the Vietnam War.
Because her father was in the military, her family moved often. She lived in Canberra, Melbourne, the United States, and Canada. For two years, she lived with her grandmother in Adelaide while her father was in Vietnam.
As a child, Mostyn loved playing sports and watching Australian rules football. She attended Narrabundah College and later studied arts and law at the Australian National University.
A Career of Leadership
Mostyn has had a long career working in business, for the government, and with charities. She is known for her work in areas like gender equality, helping Indigenous communities, and protecting the environment.
Working in Law and Government
After university, Mostyn worked as a lawyer. In 1992, she became a senior adviser to a government minister, working on new technology like pay television.
Later, she worked for Prime Minister Paul Keating as a policy adviser. Keating also chose her to be on the board of the committee that organised the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney.
In 2022, the government led by Anthony Albanese asked her to lead a group called the Women's Economic Equality Taskforce. The group suggested ways to help women in the workplace.
A Leader in Business and Sports
In 2005, Mostyn made history when she became the first female commissioner of the AFL Commission. The commission is the group that runs the entire sport of Australian rules football. She served for over 10 years and was a key person in creating the AFL Women's competition.
She was also a director of the Sydney Swans football club for six seasons. She supports the GO Foundation, a charity started by former football stars Adam Goodes and Michael O'Loughlin to help Indigenous students.
Mostyn has also been a board member for many large companies, including Transurban and Mirvac. In 2021, the Australian Financial Review newspaper called her one of Australia's most influential company directors.
Helping People and the Planet
Mostyn has dedicated much of her time to non-profit organisations. She is the chair of the Climate Council, a group that provides information about climate change. She has also worked with Beyond Blue, a mental health organisation, and Reconciliation Australia, which works to improve relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
She is a founding supporter of 1 Million Women, a group that encourages women to take action on climate change. She has also been a director of Australia's National Research Organisation for Women's Safety (ANROWS), which researches ways to end family violence.
Becoming Governor-General
On 3 April 2024, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that King Charles III had approved Mostyn to be the next governor-general of Australia. She officially began her role on 1 July 2024. She is the first governor-general to have been born in Canberra.
The news was welcomed by many people, including politicians from different parties and community groups. Some people criticised the choice because of her past support for certain causes. However, many others defended her appointment, pointing to her long career as a leader.
Honours and Awards
| Viceregal styles of Sam Mostyn (2024–present) |
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| Reference style | Her Excellency the Honourable |
| Spoken style | Your Excellency |
Mostyn has received many awards for her work.
- 2018: She was given an Honorary doctorate of laws from the Australian National University.
- 2021: She was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for her service to business and the community.
- 2024: She was promoted to a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC), the country's highest honour. This was for her work in social justice, gender equality, sports, and business.
Personal Life
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Mostyn is married to Simeon Beckett, who is a lawyer. They have one daughter.
Images for kids
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The badge of the Governor-General of Australia.
See also
In Spanish: Samantha Mostyn para niños
