Queensland Premier Campbell Newman

Premier Confirms 12 Month Extension To Queensland Governor’s Term

Victor P Taffa

Her Majesty the Queen has extended the appointment of Ms. Penelope Wensley AC, as Governor of Queensland for a further 12 months, until July 2014.

Premier Campbell Newman today congratulated Ms. Wensley on her continuing appointment.

“Ms. Wensley has been an excellent servant to the people of Queensland for the past four and a half years and I am very pleased she has agreed to continue serving as Governor for another year.” Mr. Newman said.

“Ms. Wensley has made a significant contribution to Queensland and has carried out her constitutional, civic and ceremonial duties as Queensland’s twenty-fifth Governor with dedication and distinction throughout her current term.”

Mr. Newman said Ms. Wensley had worked hard for Queensland during the past four and a half years.

“She has chaired 220 Executive Council meetings, signed 212 bills into law, participated in 2024 civic and community events, delivered more than 982 speeches and messages, hosted more than 27,000 visitors to Government House and presented 880 Order of Australia honours and awards to Queenslanders.”

“As the Queen’s representative, Ms. Wensley also opened the 53^rd and 54^th Queensland Parliaments, presided at the swearing in of two Queensland Governments, including the LNP Ministry on 3 April 2012, visited flood and cyclone affected areas of the state 2011 and officiated at a diverse range of Diamond Jubilee events in 2012.” Mr. Newman said.

“Ms. Wensley has made a particular effort to travel extensively throughout Queensland during her term, ensuring all Queenslanders have had the opportunity to meet and be heard by the Governor.”

“As well as carrying out all these various constitutional, civic and ceremonial duties as Governor, Ms. Wensley is patron of more than 200 Queensland organisations ranging from veterans’ groups and health organisations, to sporting, arts and education bodies.”

Mr. Newman acknowledged the important role Ms. Wensley’s family played in her decision to extend her appointment.

“There’s no doubt the continued support of her family was an important consideration for Ms. Wensley.”

“On behalf of all Queenslanders I’d like to thank her husband Stuart McCosker and daughters, Sarah and Jane, for their unflagging support.”

FACTBOX

· Ms Wensley was born in Toowoomba and completed a Bachelor of Arts degree with First Class Honours at The University of Queensland in 1967

· She joined the Australian Foreign service in 1968 and enjoyed a distinguished career as a diplomat, representing Australia in a wide range of overseas posts and senior policy positions

· In 1994 Ms. Wensley was awarded the honorary Doctor of Philosophy by The University of Queensland for her distinguished contributions to the Commonwealth of Australia

· In 2008, she was admitted to the honorary degree of Doctor of the University by Griffith University in recognition of her significant contributions to the international community, and in 2011 her distinguished service to the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and to the community was recognised by the conferral of a further honorary award of Doctor of the University by QUT

· Ms. Wensley was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2001 for her distinguished service to the development of Australia’s international relations and in 2011 was appointed a Companion (AC) in the General Division of the Order of Australia “For eminent contribution to the people of Queensland, and to Australia’s international relations through senior diplomatic representational roles and as a key contributor to initiatives of the United Nations.