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Rudd, Bligh welcome Bryce's 'Queensland touch'

Posted September 5, 2008 16:09:00
Updated September 5, 2008 20:32:00

Sworn in: 25th Governor-General Quentin Bryce

Sworn in: 25th Governor-General Quentin Bryce (AAP: Alan Porritt)

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd says there is no one more qualified to be Australia's new Governor-General than Quentin Bryce.

Ms Bryce has made history by becoming the first woman to be sworn-in as the Queen's representative to Australia.

The former Queensland Governor took her oath of office at a ceremony at Parliament House this morning, followed by a 21-gun salute to herald her transition.

Mr Rudd wished Ms Bryce the best as Australia's 25th Governor-General.

"We've witnessed the swearing in of a new Governor-General who I am sure will fill both of these roles with dignity, distinction and commitment, and with a distinctive Queensland touch," he said.

"Your Excellency, you are a truly distinguished Australian."

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh was in Canberra for the ceremony and says Queensland's loss is Australia's gain.

"I expect to see Quentin Bryce being a unifying force in the national landscape," she said.

"She will be someone who'll bring the voices of the unheard into the public debate and I expect that she will win the hearts of Australians everywhere.

"She's a very warm and compassionate person and she will bring that to the challenges of her new role."

Tags: government-and-politics, federal-government, federal-state-issues, governors-general-and-state-governors, states-and-territories, australia, qld

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