Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

On Tuesday 7 April 2020, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) received Letters of Commission and participated in a video conference at which Ms Dorcas Kobela Makgato was accredited as the High Commissioner for the Republic of Botswana.

Afterwards, the Governor-General received Letters of Commission and participated in a video conference at which Ms Marie-Claire Jeanne Monty was accredited as the High Commissioner for the Republic of Mauritius.

Later, the Governor-General, as Patron, spoke with senior representatives of his patronages regarding the impact of COVID-19. This included Ms Laurie Leigh, Chief Executive Officer, RSL Lifecare; and Ms Georgie Harman, Chief Executive Officer, Beyond Blue.

Then, the Governor-General spoke with senior members of emergency service agencies in New South Wales regarding the impact of the 2019/20 fire season. This included telephone calls with Mr Dick Adams, State Recovery Coordinator, Office of Emergency Services New South Wales; and Mr David Hanzl, Captain, Carwoola Rural Fire Brigade.

Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley received a telephone call from Ms Sonya Abbey, Fine Art Advisor, Australiana Fund.