New GG a good friend of community
COMMUNITY leaders have welcomed the appointment of the former Chief of the Australian Defence Force, General Peter Cosgrove, as Australia’s next Governor-General.
COMMUNITY leaders have welcomed the appointment of the former Chief of the Australian Defence Force, General Peter Cosgrove, as Australia’s next Governor-General.
General Cosgrove has enjoyed a warm relationship with the Jewish community to date. He has been a keynote speaker for the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council (AIJAC) and has had an involvement with the Sydney Jewish Museum.
Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) president Robert Goot said General Cosgrove was “an excellent choice”.
“We welcome the announcement that Peter Cosgrove will be Australia’s next Governor-General,” he said.
“Peter Cosgrove’s outstanding record of military and public service made him one of Australia’s most respected and popular military leaders.
“He is an excellent choice to be Australia’s next Governor-General and admirably suited to fulfil that role with distinction.”
AIJAC executive director Colin Rubenstein said: “Throughout his very distinguished military career, which included being awarded the Military Cross for bravery in Vietnam and commanding peacekeeping forces in East Timor, and as head of the taskforce of rebuilding communities damaged by Cyclone Larry, General Cosgrove has been renowned for his effective and courageous leadership, his firm moral compass and strength of character.
“We appreciate his friendship and support for the Jewish community, have had the pleasure of welcoming him as a keynote speaker at AIJAC and we look forward to continuing our warm and constructive relationship with him in his new and very significant role for which he is so well equipped.
“We wish him every success as he serves our country as Governor-General during such an important period in our history, which includes the Centenary of World War I and the anniversary of the 1915 Gallipoli landing.”
Sydney Jewish Museum CEO Norman Seligman said General Cosgrove had been a friend and supporter “over many years”.
“In 2010 he opened the Museum exhibition Serving Australia, which pays tribute to the significant Jewish contribution to the Australian military. Last year General Cosgrove delivered the Sir John Monash Oration at the Museum to a packed audience,” he said.
“We are delighted with his appointment and wish him much success in this new role.”
General Cosgrove will take up the role when incumbent Governor-General Quentin Bryce steps down in March.
GARETH NARUNSKY
Incoming Governor-General, Peter Cosgrove.
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