Linda Dessau Inaugurated As Governor Of Victoria

Former judge and patron for the arts and sport, Linda Dessau AM, will be inaugurated as the 29th Governor of Victoria today – the first woman to hold the post.

The incoming Governor has led a distinguished career in the law and in a variety of community roles championing the arts, welfare and sports.

Ms Dessau served as a judge of the Family Court of Australia for 18 years, previously serving as a magistrate in the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria, the Children’s Court and the Coroners Court.

Throughout her career, Ms Dessau has participated in many projects to address the judicial system’s responses to child abuse and family violence.

In 2010, she was a made a Member of the Order of Australia for her services to family law and the community.

In the arts, Ms Dessau has served as president of the Melbourne Festival and as a trustee of the National Gallery of Victoria.

In sports, she was the founding chair of the Essendon Football Club Women’s Network as well as serving as an AFL Commissioner.

Premier Daniel Andrews acknowledged the service of outgoing Victorian Governor, His Excellency the Honourable Alex Chernov AC QC.

Inaugurated as Victoria’s 28th Governor in 2011, Mr Chernov was previously Judge at the Court of Appeal of the Supreme Court of Victoria and the Chancellor of Melbourne University.

In October 2014, he became the longest-serving Governor of an Australian state and assumed the office of Administrator of the Commonwealth

Quotes attributable to the Premier Daniel Andrews

“I was proud to recommend this appointment and I am certain that the incoming Governor will build on the great work of our Governors to date.”

“She represents the very best of Victoria: passionate about our culture, proud of our diversity and devoted to the fairness and progress of our society.”

“She is a person of outstanding ability who has the city and the state in her heart.”

“I want to thank the outgoing Governor for his service to Victoria and I wish him and his family all the best for the future”

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