Finding a new Governor-General is one of Kevin Rudd's major tasks this year. That may seem a surprising statement in the midst of coping with inflation and having negotiated a parliamentary apology to indigenous Australians. But both the process and the appointment itself will help set the tone for his government. Rudd should be creative on both counts.
The Prime Minister puts forward a name to the Queen for appointment. There is no provision for public input or even for consultation with the Opposition in parliament. History tells us the decision is often made by the Prime Minister alone or a kitchen Cabinet at best.
The process should become more open and consultative in keeping with community expectations and contemporary practice. Compare this process with the one just announced by the Prime Minister for the Australia 2020 Summit in April. In the latter case 1000 of the best and brightest Australians will come to Canberra to discuss Australia's future and debate the way forward. This process reflects the great talent available in the community and shows that not all ideas come from within government. It connects the government with the community.
The contrast with the traditional approach to selecting the Governor-General could not be starker.
The nature of the position of Governor-General means not everyone can do the job well of course. It has a formal constitutional aspect, a ceremonial political role and many community responsibilities. The person needs to be someone with experience, dignity, eloquence and the necessary people skills. Australians also want someone of great personal achievement in their chosen field.
But there are still many suitable people. It is not like that other top position to be filled this year, Chief Justice of the High Court, where the need for professional qualifications and experience limits the number of possible contenders. And even with the Chief Justice position there is much wider consultation, with state governments and bar associations, when seeking out the right person.
The Governor-General should represent the diversity of the Australian community. It is no disrespect to the present Governor-General, Major General Michael Jeffery, or to the previous incumbents, to say that our record so far is too narrow and conservative. Rudd should look to Canada and New Zealand where recent appointees have sent a far more inclusive message. The need for diversity of backgrounds makes the case for appointing a woman and/or someone outside the traditional Anglo-Celtic mainstream very strong