On Friday 16 January 2026, the Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, presided over a meeting of the Federal Executive Council with the Honourable Andrew Leigh MP, and Senator the Honourable Katy Gallagher, at Government House, Canberra. 

Then, the Governor-General received a video call from Mr Brendan Moon AM, Coordinator-General, National Emergency Management Agency.

In the afternoon, the Governor-General recorded video messages for the 2026 Australia Day address and the 2026 Australia Day Honours and Awards List.  

Then, the Governor-General, and His Excellency Mr Simeon Beckett SC, travelled from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory to Sydney, New South Wales.