On 28 August 2024, the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet engaged Dr Vivienne Thom AM to conduct a review of the operations and management practices of the Office of the Official Secretary to the Governor-General.
The review followed the commencement of Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC as Governor-General on 1 July 2024.
The review was completed in November 2024 and the final report was delivered to the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and the Office of the Official Secretary to the Governor-General.
The report made 22 recommendations to improve performance. Redactions to the final report have been made to protect classified or personal information.
The Office of the Official Secretary to the Governor-General performs an important role in Australia’s system of government. It supports the Governor-General to fulfil their duties, including planning and managing the Governor-General’s program, managing and maintaining the official household and two official residences, and administering the Australian Honours and Awards system.