On Monday 26 March 2012, following the departure of the Governor-General Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO on a regional visit to the Pacific, 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 afternoon, at Magnolia Chapel, Macquarie Park Crematorium, Sydney, the Administrator attended a funeral service for the late Mr Jeremy Bowdler.

Afterwards, at Government House, Sydney, the Administrator received Mr Peter Bassett.

In Canberra, Mr Michael Bryce AM AE was the guest of honour to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the annual Shannons Wheels Expo. The Expo features vintage and collector vehicles in a display which attracts thousands of enthusiasts to Canberra every year.

On Saturday 24 March 2012, at the Southern Cross Club, Jamieson, Mr Michael Bryce AM AE, as guest speaker, attended the Council of ACT Motor Club’s Dinner to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Shannons Wheels Expo.

On Friday 23 March 2012, at Government House, Canberra, the Governor-General Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO received the Shadow-Attorney General, Shadow Minister for the Arts, and Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, Senator the Honourable George Brandis SC.

Later, at St James Church, Sydney, the Governor-General and Mr Michael Bryce AM AE attended a Memorial Service for the late Mrs Margaret Whitlam AO.

On Thursday 22 March 2012, at Government House, Canberra, the Governor-General Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO received from His Excellency Mr Maris Sangiampongsa, Letters of Credence accrediting him as the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand. The Ambassador was accompanied by Mr Saksee Phromyothi (Minister Counsellor), Group Captain Suksom Sukasam (Defence and Air Attache) and Ms Tachaphorn Suntrajarn (First Secretary). The Governor-General and Mr Michael Bryce AM AE also received Mrs Kokan Sangiampongsa.

During a ceremony at Government House in Canberra, the Governor-General, as Chancellor of the Order of Australia, invested the Secretary of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, Mr Andrew Metcalfe AO, as an Officer in the General Division of the Order of Australia.

The Governor-General conducted the swearing-in of the new Administrator of Norfolk Island, Mr Neil Pope, during a ceremony at Government House, Canberra.

Pope has had a distinguished career as a local government officer and member of the Parliament of Victoria from 1982 to 1992.

On Wednesday 21 March 2012, at Government House, Canberra, the Governor-General Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO presided at a meeting of the Federal Executive Council.

Afterwards, the Governor-General and Mr Michael Bryce AM AE attended a ceremony at which the Governor-General administered the Affirmation of Office to the Administrator-Designate of the Territory of Norfolk Island, Mr Neil Pope.

Later, the Governor-General, as Chancellor of the Order of Australia, and Mr Bryce hosted an investiture ceremony.

On Tuesday 20 March 2012, in the Great Hall, Parliament House, Canberra, the Governor-General Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO and Mr Michael Bryce AM AE, as guests of the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, the Honourable Warren Snowdon MP, attended a memorial tribute in honour of Ms Nancy Wake AC GM.

Afterwards, at Government House, the Governor-General, as Patron, received the Chief Executive Officer of the Lung Foundation, Mr William Darbishire.

As Patron of Playgroup Australia, the Governor-General popped in to the Jelly Beans Playgroup in the Canberra suburb of Scullin to read a book and meet the kids and their mothers. The visit marked National Playgroup Week, which is held every autumn. Ms Bryce was joined by the Minister or Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, the Hon. Jenny Macklin MP.