This is the text of the televised address to the nation by the Governor-General, Dr. Peter Hollingworth.
The Governor-General’s resignation takes effect at midnight tonight.
- Listen to Hollingworth’s Address:
Farewell Address by Governor-General Dr. Peter Hollingworth.
My decision to resign as Governor-General was taken after long and soul searching consideration which finally came to an end last week. I weighed up the obligations of the Governor-General, sworn in the solemn oath of office “I do swear that I will well and truly serve Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, her heirs and successors according to law and that I will do right to all manner of people after the laws and usages of the Commonwealth of Australia without fear or favour, affection or ill will, so help me God.” Could I fulfill that oath?