On Thursday 17 September 2009, at Government House, Canberra, the Governor-General Ms Quentin Bryce AC presided at a meeting of the Federal Executive Council.

Earlier, the Governor-General received from Her Excellency Ms Siren Gjerme Eriksen, Letters of Credence accrediting her as the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway. The Ambassador was accompanied by Mrs Martine Aamdal (First Secretary) and Ms Mary Andersen (First Secretary). The Governor-General and Mr Michael Bryce AM AE also received Mr Emil Ragnar Steffensen. Afterwards, the Governor-General received from His Excellency Mr Patrick Renault, Letters of Credence accrediting him as the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium. The Ambassador was accompanied by Mrs Sophie Hottat (Second Secretary), Mr Andre Gielen (Second Secretary) and Ms Nathalie Surmont (Trade and Investment Commissioner). The Governor-General and Mr Bryce also received Mrs Charlotte Renault. Later, the Governor-General received from His Excellency Mr Alexios Christopoulos, Letters of Credence accrediting him as the Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic. The Ambassador was accompanied by Mr Antonios Papakostas (Counsellor). The Governor-General and Mr Bryce also received Mrs Matenia Christopoulou. Then, the Governor-General received from His Excellency Mr Tshering Dorji, Letters of Credence accrediting him as the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bhutan. The Ambassador was accompanied by Mrs Tshering Lhadn (First Secretary). The Governor-General and Mr Bryce also received Mrs Deki Tshomo. Afterwards, the Governor-General and Mr Bryce hosted to lunch: the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway and Mr Emil Steffensen; the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium and Mrs Charlotte Renault; the Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic and Mrs Matenia Christopoulou; the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bhutan and Mrs Deki Tshomo; Mr Peter Baxter and Ms Lynette Woods; Dr Peter Cook CBE; Mr Paul De Moor; Mr Theo Dimarhos and Mrs Linnet Dimarhos; His Grace Bishop Ezekiel of Dervis and the Very Reverend Eumenios Vasilopoulos; Mr Edward Killesteyn PSM and Mrs Sue Killesteyn; Dr Mieke Leppens; Mr Greg Martin; Ms Anne Moores; Mr Sam Saltis and Mrs Vicky Saltis; Mr Ric Wells; and Mr Stephen Youll OAM and Mrs Jennifer Youll. In the evening, at the Royal Military College Duntroon, Canberra, the Governor-General attended the Inaugural National Security Community Leadership Forum Dinner. Earlier, at Government House, Canberra, Mr Bryce received the Mayor of Longreach Regional Council, Councillor John Palmer OAM.