Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

On Friday 30 October 2020, Their Excellencies General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) and Mrs Linda Hurley hosted a swearing-in ceremony at which the Governor-General issued an Affirmation of Office to Senator the Honourable Simon Birmingham, the newly appointed Minister for Finance.

Afterwards, the Governor-General, received a phone call from Rear Admiral Bruce Kafer AM CSC (Retd).

Later, the Governor-General and Mrs Hurley hosted a morning tea to celebrate the Year of the Nurse and Midwife.

Then, the Governor-General received the Interim Report of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability from Mr Paul Cronan AM, Official Secretary.

Afterwards, the Governor-General received Ms Louise Watson, Chair, and Mr Steve Howard, CEO, The Global Foundation.

In the evening, the Governor-General and Mrs Hurley hosted a dinner for the Opera Australia Capital Fund. Guests included: Mr Philip Bacon AM; Ms Mary-Jane Brodribb; Mr Andrew Clifford and Mrs Jane Clifford; Mr Martin Dickson AM and Mrs Susie Dickson; Mrs Helen Gannon; Ms Neroli Hobbins OAM; Mr Rory Jeffes; The Honourable Justice François Kunc and Ms Felicity Rourke; Mr David Mortimer AO and Mrs Barbara Mortimer; Mr David Newby and Mrs Jane Clarke; Mrs Roslyn Packer AC; Mr Paul Singer MVO; Mr Gary Singer and Mr Geoffrey Smith; Mrs Jill Thorpe; Mr Michael Traill AM and Mrs Jenny Gage Traill; Mr Ray Wilson OAM and Mr Isidoro Felman; and Mrs Gay Woodward.