On Friday 18 May 2007, following the departure from Australia of the Governor-General, His Excellenc...

On Friday 18 May 2007, following the departure from Australia of the Governor-General, His Excellency Major General Michael Jeffery AC CVO MC on an official visit to the Independent State of Samoa, the Proclamation assuming the Administration of the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia was signed by the Governor of New South Wales, Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO.

In the morning, at St Mary's Cathedral, Sydney, the Administrator delivered the Eulogy at the Funeral Service for the Cathedral's Concert Pianist, Mr Aaron Luke McMillan. Later, at Government House, Sydney, the Administrator addressed school captains and vice-captains from fifty-one government secondary schools. In the afternoon, at St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, the Administrator launched a Pictorial History as part of the hospital's Sesquicentenary Celebrations. Earlier, at Government House, Sydney, the Administrator was represented by Sir Nicholas Shehadie AC OBE at a Reception for members of the New South Wales Consular Women's Club. The Governor-General, on behalf of the government and people of Australia, sent a message of congratulations and good wishes to the newly appointed President of the French Republic, His Excellency Mr Nicolas Sarkozy, following his inauguration. At Parliament House, Apia, the Governor-General attended the State Funeral of the Head of State of Samoa, His Highness Susuga Malietoa Tanumafili II GCMG CBE. Earlier, at Aggie Grey's Hotel, Apia, the Governor-General received the Governor-General of New Zealand, His Excellency the Honourable Anand Satyanand PCNZM. At Brisbane, Queensland, Her Excellency Mrs Marlena Jeffery, as guest speaker, attended a luncheon hosted by the Moreton Club. In the evening, at Parliament House, Brisbane, Mrs Jeffery, as President of Guides Australia, attended the Annual General Meeting.