On Monday 26 November 2007, at Admiralty House, Sydney, the Governor-General, His Excellency Major G...

On Monday 26 November 2007, at Admiralty House, Sydney, the Governor-General, His Excellency Major General Michael Jeffery AC CVO MC, invited the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Kevin Rudd MP, to form a Government and requested Mr Howard and his Ministers to remain in Government in caretaker capacity until a new Government is sworn in.

In the evening, the Governor-General, as Patron of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award in Australia, and Her Excellency Mrs Marlena Jeffery hosted a reception for awardees and supporters. Afterwards, Their Excellencies hosted to dinner: the National Chairman, Duke of Edinburgh's Award in Australia, the Honourable Larry Anthony and Mrs Jenny Anthony; Mr John Azarias; Mrs Anita Batho; Ms Kim Brislane; Ms Kylie Edwards; Mr Michael Gross; Mr David Lovelock; Mr Clint McCarthy; Mr Keith McReynolds; Mr John Pascoe AO; Ms Meredith Riley; Mr Peter Rowe and Ms Elizabeth Rowe; Mr Rick Slovitt; Ms Gabrielle Upton; Mr John Veitch; and Ms Carla Zampatti AM and Mr John Spender QC. Earlier, the Governor-General sent a message of condolence to the Governor-General of Papua New Guinea, His Excellency Grand Chief Sir Paulias Matane GCL GCMG KStJ, following the tragic loss of life and widespread flooding caused by Cyclone Guba.