Governor-General Urged to Resign from Advocacy Group Role

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Sam Mostyn AC, sworn in as Australia’s 28th Governor-General on July 1, 2024, was announced as a patron of Equality Australia on February 27, 2025. Equality Australia is a national organisation focused on matters affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, and other gender-diverse communities. Mostyn’s appointment as patron drew public attention, given her current vice-regal position, which traditionally requires strict political neutrality.

The Family First Party, a conservative political group, has reportedly raised concerns about Mostyn’s association with Equality Australia. While no formal statement from the party has been independently verified, the group is understood to view her patronage as potentially compromising the impartiality expected of the Governor-General. Equality Australia has been involved in legal matters, including a Federal Court case concerning access to female-only spaces, which is scheduled for a decision on August 4, 2025.

Some media commentators and conservative voices have questioned the appropriateness of Mostyn’s ongoing public association, citing past statements attributed to her concerning gender-related issues, a republic, and the recharacterisation of Australia Day. These critics argue that involvement with an organisation engaged in political or legal campaigns risks undermining the apolitical nature of the Governor-General’s role.

No official response has been issued by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese or Buckingham Palace regarding Mostyn’s patronage. The Governor-General’s official biography highlights her long-standing work in business and community leadership, with previous roles in organisations such as Beyond Blue, the AFL, and the Diversity Council Australia.

The discussion continues to raise broader questions about how personal affiliations align with the responsibilities of Australia’s highest constitutional office, particularly in cases involving socially and legally sensitive issues.