Tuesday 28 June 2022 11:12 AM Governor-General David Hurley under fire for Homes by Howe testimonial video trends now
The Australian Governor General has been slammed after a video testimony was unearthed of him spruiking the building company who renovated his luxury home.
Footage of David Hurley and his wife Linda full of glowing praise for the work by Homes by Howe on their Canberra property 18 months ago remains online, along with a written testimony on the builder's website.
They also appeared in a photo with the builder and architect posted last November after the builder was named as a 2021 Master Builders Australia finalist for extensions worth more than $1million on the couple's home.
The testimonies by Australia's representative of the monarch have been slammed by government sources as 'absurd' and 'very odd'.
Government MPs have also demanded an explanation for the 'outrageous error of judgment'.
While it's not illegal, it is widely frowned upon for a high-profile public official receiving a tax-payer funded salary to advertise a private business.
It's the second controversy for the Governor General within weeks as he prepares to mark his three year anniversary in the role this Friday.
Governor General David Hurley and his wife Linda agreed to pose for a photo for their builder Homes by Howe following the completion of renovations to their private Canberra home
Labor MP Julian Hill described the testimonial as an error of judgment.
'It needs to be corrected to maintain the dignity of the office. In the same way the Governor-General needs to remain above politics they need to remain above commercial interests,' he told news.com.au.
The Governor General's office claim that while he and his wife agreed to appear in a video and photo for the builder in a private capacity, permission wasn't sought for the material to be posted publicly.
'The testimonial was provided in a private capacity, following work done on the Hurley's private home at their own expense. There was no payment, discount or any gifts in kind,' a spokesman said.
'The testimonial should not have included 'Governor-General' in its distribution.
'Neither Buckingham Palace or the Prime Minister provide clearance on any activity (official or private) the Governor-General undertakes.'
Daily Mail Australia contacted The Governor General's office and Homes by Howe for further comment.
A testimonial video for Homes by Howe featuring the Governor General and his wife has come under from government sources and MPs
