Peter Dutton damned Sam Mostyn with faint praise as Australia's next ... trends now
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton cosied up to Australia's next Governor-General for a photograph, just weeks after he issued a noticeably flat statement about her appointment.
Businesswoman Samantha Mostyn was announced as General David Hurley's replacement as the King's representative in Australia when his term comes to an end on July 1.
Ms Mostyn's commitment to an Indigenous Voice to Parliament and past experience working with the Labor party sparked criticism from conservative lobby group Advance.
Peter Dutton cosied up to Australia's next Governor-General for a photograph, just weeks after he appeared indifferent about her controversial appointment
Sam Mostyn wiped all her social media presence before Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced her as David Hurley's replacement on Wednesday morning
Mr Dutton offered a less than effusive statement addressing her appointment at the time, telling reporters: '(She's) somebody who's been involved in business and sport for a long period of time.
'(She) obviously is well-known to many people within the government over a long period of time.
'I wish her the very best in her appointment.'
His words were worlds away from the praise Ms Mostyn was receiving from Labor politicians, who recited the long list of board positions she's held, and her legacy of championing women's rights and climate change policy.
ABC analyst Annabel Crabb wrote: 'As commendations go, it was the least he could do.
'Literally, the actual least.'
Now, Mr Dutton has posed for a picture alongside Ms Mostyn ahead of her official start date, smiling in front of the Australian flag, the Indigenous flag and the Torres Strait Island flag.
'Pleased to catch up with Australian Governor-General Designate Ms Sam Mostyn AO today,' he tweeted.
'I wish her my very best in her appointment when she assumes the role in July and thank David Hurley AC DSC for his excellent service to our country.'
Ms Mostyn will replace Governor General David Hurley (front) on July 1
Australia's next Governor-General felt 'untethered' following the crushing defeat of the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum
Ms Mostyn wiped her social media presence before Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced her new role.
Mr Albanese said: 'Ms Mostyn has had an extensive career in the Australian business community, including working at senior levels in telecommunications and insurance companies in Australia and globally.
'She has also held senior non-executive roles on boards including Transurban, Virgin Australia, and has been chair of Citibank Australia. She currently chairs AWARE Super and Alberts Music Group and is on the board of Mirvac.
'Ms Mostyn has been a Commissioner with the
