Former Olympic athlete John Landy has been appointed the new Governor of Victoria by the Premier, Steve Bracks.
Landy will take office on New Year’s Day 2001 as the state’s 26th Governor.
Announcing the decision, Bracks denied any knowledge of an agreement promising an extension of the term of the incumbent Governor, Sir James Gobbo. Gobbo was appointed by Jeff Kennett in 1997 for a term of slightly less than 4 years, due to the possibility of Australia voting to become a republic.
Bracks said that Kennett had not mentioned any such deal to him, but refused to discuss details of the conversation he had with Gobbo at Government House yesterday.
Landy is 70 years old. During his running career he broke the 4-minute mile six times. He was narrowly beaten by Roger Banister at the 1954 Empire Games. Returning from retirement in 1956, he won a bronze medal for the 1500 metres event at the Melbourne Olympics.
Landy is also famous for the occasion when he accidentally tripped Ron Clarke in a 1500m race and then stopped to help him to his feet.
Victorian Governor To Be Replaced Says Newspaper
8.00am – According to the Herald-Sun newspaper this morning, the Victorian Governor, Sir James Gobbo, is to be replaced at the end of the year.
Premier Steve Bracks is to give a press conference at 10.30am this morning at which an announcement of Gobbo’s replacement could be made.
