On Monday 22 April 2013, following the departure of the Governor-General Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO to undertake a State Visit to the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, the Proclamation assuming the Administration of the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia was signed by the Governor of New South Wales, Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO.

Afterwards, in the Stranger’s Dining Room, Parliament House, Sydney, the Administrator attended the Barnardo’s Australia Mother of the Year 2013 NSW State Awards Ceremony.

On the first day of her State Visit to Papua New Guinea, the Governor-General was welcomed with a 21-gun salute at Jacksons International Airport in Port Moresby.

Ms Bryce inspected a Guard of Honour and viewed a traditional performance by local school children.

As part of the visit to Papua New Guinea, the Governor-General will commemorate ANZAC Day on the Kokoda Track and at the Bomana War Cemetery Dawn Service in Port Moresby.

The Governor-General was formally welcomed to Papua New Guinea by Governor-General, His Excellency Sir Michael Ogio, at Government House in Port Moresby.

Later, Sir Michael hosted a State Dinner at Parliament House in honour of the Governor-General’s visit.

The Governor-General met the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, the Hon Peter O’Neill MP, in Port Moresby.

Following the meeting, Ms Bryce, on behalf of the Australian Government, gave the Prime Minister climate data requested by the Papua New Guinea Office of Climate Change and Development.

The data will enable the Papua New Guinea Government to manage and adapt to the impact of climate change on coastal areas.

At the Hohola Youth Development Centre in Port Moresby, the Governor-General presented books to disadvantaged students.

The Director and Principal of the Centre, Brother Anthony Swamy, welcomed Ms Bryce and introduced her to students pursuing technical and vocational education opportunities.

The Centre caters for over 600 students and has received Australian Government assistance for the construction of buildings and procurement of teaching equipment.

On Saturday 20 April 2013, at the Brisbane Square Library, Queensland, the Governor-General, Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO, as guest of the Treasurer of Book Links Inc Queensland, Ms Beth Green, and the Team Hub Leader at Brisbane Square Library, Ms Robin Lee, officially launched the book by Ms Narelle Oliver titled ‘Don’t Let a Spoonbill in the Kitchen.’

In Brisbane, the Governor-General launched Narelle Oliver's new children's book, 'Don't Let a Spoonbill in the Kitchen', with local children at the Brisbane Square Library.

On Friday 19 April 2013, at Government House, Canberra, the Governor-General Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO and Mr Michael Bryce AM AE attended, and the Governor-General, as Chancellor of the Order of Australia, conducted Investiture Ceremony.

At Government House in Canberra, the Governor-General, as Chancellor of the Order of Australia, invested 38 recipients with Australia Day and Queen’s Birthday Honours and Bravery Awards.

The Hon Alexander Downer AC, Professor Peter Singer AC and the Hon Tom Uren AC were appointed as Companions in the General Division of the Order of Australia.

A full list of recipients and their citations are below:

Appointed a Companion in the General Division:

The Honourable Alexander DOWNER

On Thursday 18 April 2013, at Government House, Canberra, the Governor-General Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO and Mr Michael Bryce AM AE attended, and the Governor-General, as Chancellor of the Order of Australia, conducted Investiture Ceremonies.