An emotional Justice Margaret Beazley has fought back tears as she formally accepted the role of NSW Governor from the NSW Premier today.
At a ceremony outside the Sydney Opera House, Ms Beazley, a former Federal Court of Australia judge and NSW Court of Appeal judge, said she was honoured to take the role after the forced resignation of David Hurley, who was announced as Australia’s next Governor-General last month.
She will be the 39th Governor of NSW.
“I won’t be able to look at my family at this stage,” Justice Beazley, the current NSW Court of Appeal president said, as she fought back tears in her speech today.
“I am very honoured … didn’t think I would be emotional, so I do apologise.”
Ms Beazley was born in Sydney in 1951, and has had a storied career in the judiciary after graduating from Sydney Law School with honours in 1974.
She was awarded as an officer of the Order of Australia in 2006 for service to the judiciary and the law, particularly through her contributions to professional and ethical standards and to the advancement of women in the legal profession and the community.
She is the mother of three adult children and is married to Dennis Wilson.
“The people of NSW are extremely fortunate Justice Beazley has accepted the position,” NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said at the ceremony.
“She is a leader in the legal profession [and] has been a mentor to many aspiring legal professionals.
“I know she will serve the people of NSW with absolute distinction.”
Ms Berejiklian also paid tribute to outgoing NSW Governor David Hurley, who is set to become the next Governor-General of Australia
Mr Hurley advised the Premier that he would need to leave his current post by May.
Justice Beazley said she would bring three of her core beliefs — community, education and rule of law — to the role.
“It is what makes us such a cohesive society,” she said.
“And I have a very deep belief in our community.”