Statement by the Governor-General Dr Hollingworth announces intention to resign as Governor-General

22 May 2003

It is with deep regret and after much thought that I have today advised the Prime Minister that I wish to resign from the office of Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia.

I have asked him to put the necessary arrangements in place to advise Her Majesty The Queen.

Despite the misplaced and unwarranted allegations made against me as Governor-General, it is clear that continuing public controversy has the potential to undermine and diminish my capacity to uphold the importance, dignity and integrity of this high office that I have been privileged and proud to occupy.

I cannot allow that to occur.

I have asked the Prime Minister to call on me tomorrow so that we might discuss transitional arrangements.

I propose to make a more detailed statement to the Australian people later this week.