- Premier
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has accepted the advice of the Premier, Daniel Andrews, to extend the term of the Governor of Victoria, Her Excellency the Honourable Linda Dessau AC, for a further three years.
The Governor will remain in her role until 30 June 2023.
This will enable Her Excellency, supported by her husband Mr Anthony Howard AM QC, to continue her important and much valued work serving the people of Victoria locally and internationally.
The Governor and Mr Howard play significant roles in celebrating the diversity and achievements of the Victorian community through hosting events at Government House, lending their support to major events across the state, and by touring regional communities.
The Governor has also provided outstanding leadership and compassion during some of Victoria’s most challenging times, including in the aftermath of the Bourke Street attack in January 2017 and as the Patron for the 10 Year Anniversary of the 2009 Bushfires.
The Governor and Mr Howard are patrons to more than 160 community organisations, helping support and promote groups involved in voluntary service, industry, education, the arts, sport, and caring for those in need.
This includes through the Peace and Prosperity Kitchen Garden program at Government House, where the Governor and Mr Howard have fostered friendship and understanding among women of migrant and refugee backgrounds who are newly arrived in Victoria.
The Governor and Mr Howard have also been highly effective advocates for Victoria when representing the State’s social, economic and cultural interests overseas, as well as international engagement at home.
In addition to supporting the Governor in her work, Mr Howard has been a driving force in continuing and expanding the community tours program at Government House, just one way in which he and the Governor have made Government House more accessible to Victorians.
The extension of the term of Governor Dessau will provide constitutional certainty in the lead up to and following the next Victorian State election, due in November 2022.
As noted by Her Excellency the Honourable Linda Dessau AC
“It is an honour and privilege to represent and promote our great State, and help to celebrate and support Victoria’s diverse and vibrant community.”
“My husband Tony and I are delighted to be asked to continue our service to the people of Victoria.”
As noted by Premier Daniel Andrews MP
“I thank the Governor and Mr Howard for agreeing to continue serving the people of Victoria until 2023.”
“Through their tireless work they have wonderfully represented and celebrated our diverse community and its achievements at home and internationally, while making Government House a more open, accessible and inclusive place.”
“Extending the term of office enables Her Excellency and Mr Howard to continue their outstanding work.”
