Two hours after the announcement that she had been made a Dame, Australia’s 25th Governor-General, Quentin Bryce, was farewelled at a reception at Parliament House tonight.
Bryce’s official portrait, painted by artist Ralph Heimans, was unveiled during the farewell.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott spoke in glowing terms of Bryce’s service and approach to the position of Governor-General. Opposition Leader Bill Shorten, Bryce’s son-in-law, also addressed the gathering.
Bryce responded to the tributes, the Prime Minister proposed a toast – “God bless you” – and Heiman’s portrait was unveiled.
Bryce was appointed Governor-General in 2008 by former prime minister Kevin Rudd. She is the first woman to hold the post. She will be succeeded by the newly-knighted General, Sir Peter Cosgrove, on March 28.
- Listen to Abbott (7m)
- Listen to Shorten (5m)
- Listen to Bryce (9m)
