On Monday 1 April 2013, following the departure of the Governor-General Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO to undertake an official visit to Canada and the United States of America, 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.

The Governor-General honoured the sacrifices made by US Defence personnel during a ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific – ‘Punchbowl’ – in Oahu, Hawaii.

The Director of the Cemetery, Colonel Gene Castagnetti (Ret’d), the Governor of the State of Hawaii, Governor Neil Abercrombie, and senior US military officials welcomed Ms Bryce after a 21-gun salute.

On Sunday 31 March 2013, at Government House, Canberra, the Governor-General Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO and Mr Michael Bryce AM AE, hosted an afternoon tea for members of the Indigenous Australian delegation travelling to Canada.

Earlier, at Brisbane International Airport, the Governor-General was represented at the arrival in Australia of the President of the Republic of Nauru, His Excellency the Honourable Sprent Dabwido MP, by Group Captain Guy Burton CSC ADC, Honorary Aide-de-Camp.

On Saturday 30 March 2013, at the National Portrait Gallery, Canberra, the Governor-General Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO viewed the ‘First Ladies: Significant Australian Women’ exhibition.

Afterwards, the Governor-General viewed the exhibitions at the National Library of Australia.

In the evening, at Canberra Stadium, Mr Michael Bryce AM AE, as Patron, attended the Brumbies v Bulls rugby match.

On Thursday 28 March 2013, at Government House, Canberra, the Governor-General Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO, presided at a meeting of the Federal Executive Council.

Afterwards, the Governor-General received from His Excellency Mr Andres Unga, Letters of Commission accrediting him as the Ambassador of the Republic of Estonia.

Later, the Governor-General received the Ambassador-designate to the Kingdom of Cambodia, Ms Alison Burrows.

The Ambassador of the Republic of Estonia, His Excellency His Excellency Mr Andres Unga, presented credentials to the Governor-General at Government House, Canberra.

On Wednesday 27 March 2013, at Government House, Canberra, the Governor-General Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO, received from His Excellency Mr Waven William, Letters of Commission accrediting him as the High Commissioner for the Republic of the Seychelles.

The High Commissioner for the Republic of Seychelles, His Excellency Mr Waven William, presented credentials to the Governor-General at Government House, Canberra.

On Tuesday 26 March 2013, at Seymour College, Glen Osmond, South Australia, the Governor-General Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO, as guest of the Principal, Mrs Anne Johnstone, met with teachers and read to students.

Afterwards, at the Cancer Council South Australia Office, Eastwood, the Governor-General, as guest of the CEO of Cancer Council Australia, Professor Ian Olver AM, presented the Cancer Council Australia Gold Medal to Ms Judith Roberts AO.

The Governor-General presented Mrs Judith Roberts AO with the Cancer Council Australia Gold Medal during a ceremony in Adelaide.

The Medal recognised Mrs Roberts’ decades of service to cancer control, health care and the Cancer Council.