ARTICLES IN NEWS LTD PAPERS CONCERNING THE OFFICIAL SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL

1 August 2008

NEWS Ltd papers today carried articles regarding the tenure of the Official Secretary to the Governor-General.

In the articles it was claimed that the Governor-General “confronted his successor at Yarralumla when they met in Brisbane last week” over the issue. Further inflammatory language appeared in the articles including references to the Governor-General being “livid” and of a “vice-regal brawl”.

These claims are completely false and incorrect.

While dialogue between the Governor-General and the Governor-General Designate is confidential, it is appropriate to place on the public record the fact that conversations have been amicable in every respect and aimed at ensuring a smooth transition in the Office of Governor-General.

Issued by:
Dr Stephen Jiggins
Government House Spokesperson
Kingdom of Tonga
1 August 2008