On Monday 24 April 2017, following the departure of the Governor-General from Australia on a State Visit to the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, the proclamation assuming the Administration of the Government of Australia was signed by the Governor of Queensland, His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC.
On Sunday 23 April 2017, at the United Service Club, Spring Hill, the Governor-General, General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd), as Senior Patron, and Lady Cosgrove presented The Royal Humane Society of Australasia 2016 Clarke Gold Medal to Mr Timothy John Bunyan. The Clarke Gold Medal is the Royal Humane Society’s highest award, reserved for those who have displayed the ‘most outstanding bravery’. Mr Bunyan was awarded the Clarke Gold Medal for his great courage and bravery in rescuing a driver from a crashed and burning truck.
On Saturday 22 April 2017, at Admiralty House, Sydney, the Governor-General, General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd), received the Australian Ambassador to the United States of America, the Honourable Joe Hockey.
Afterwards, the Governor-General received the Vice President of the United States, the Honorable Michael R. Pence.
In the afternoon, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove hosted a lunchtime reception in honour of the Vice President of the United States, the Honorable Michael R. Pence, Mrs Karen Pence, Ms Audrey Pence and Ms Charlotte Pence.
On Friday 21 April 2017, at Allianz Stadium, Sydney, the Governor-General, General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd), and Lady Cosgrove, as guests of the Chairman of NSW Rugby Union and NSW Rugby Waratahs, Mr Roger Davis, attended Round 9 of the 2017 Super Rugby Season the Waratahs v Southern Kings match.
On Thursday 20 April 2017, at Government House, Canberra, the Governor-General, General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd), and Lady Cosgrove hosted a morning tea for Alzheimer's Australia ACT.
Afterwards, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove hosted a lunch. Guests included: Mr Robert Campbell and Mrs Helen Campbell; and Mr Steve Rickett.
On Tuesday 18 April 2017, at Government House, Canberra, the Governor-General, General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd), and Lady Cosgrove hosted a reception for National Trusts of Australia.
On Saturday 15 April 2017, at UNSW Canberra Oval, Manuka, the Governor-General, General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd), as guest of the Chairman of the GWS Giants Football Club, attended the GWS Giants versus Port Adelaide match.
On Thursday 13 April 2017, at Government House, Canberra, the Governor-General, General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd), presided at a meeting of the Federal Executive Council.
On Wednesday 12 April 2017, at Elevation Church, Tweed Heads, the Governor-General, General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd), attended the funeral service for the late Stephanie King and her children Ella Jane and Jacob.
On Tuesday 11 April 2017, at the Eden Killer Whale Museum, the Governor-General, General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd), and Lady Cosgrove, as guests of the President of the Eden Killer Whale Museum Committee, Mr Jack Dickenson OAM, viewed the exhibits and met with members of the local community.
Afterwards, at the Eden Child Care Centre, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove, as guests of the Manager of Children, Families and Ageing, Bega Valley Shire Council, Ms Kristina Brenner, viewed the facilities and met with staff and children.