Published Monday, 07 July, 2008 at 08:45 AM
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
DISTINGUISHED QUEENSLANDER RETURNS HOME TO SERVE AS 25TH GOVERNOR
Her Majesty the Queen has agreed to the appointment of Ms Penelope Wensley, AO, BA (Hons I), Hon.DPhil (Qld) as the next Governor of Queensland.
Premier Anna Bligh, who made the announcement at Parliament House today, said Ms Wensley was a distinguished Queenslander who had made her mark on the world stage.
“Ms Wensley’s extensive diplomatic career has seen her represent our country at the highest level and with distinction – and I am delighted she will become Queensland’s next Governor,” Ms Bligh said.
“Born in Toowoomba and a First Class Honours graduate of the University of Queensland, Ms Wensley has most recently served as the Australian Ambassador to France since 2005.
“Prior to this, Ms Wensley served as Australia’s High Commissioner to India and immediately prior to this was Australia’s first female Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, where she played an important role in international peace and security, economic and social issues and humanitarian affairs and development.
“And now this outstanding Queenslander is coming home to serve our State,” she said.
Ms Bligh said she believed Ms Wensley’s international experience would bring an important global perspective to the role of Governor of Queensland.
“Our future as a State rests in a global context,” Ms Bligh said.
“We now operate in a truly global economy where international relations play a crucial role in the prosperity of our State.
“Ms Wensley was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2001 for her service to the development of Australia’s international relations and I welcome her extensive experience in this area,” she said.
“But beyond that, I also believe her dedication to social welfare, human rights and humanitarian and environmental issues will make her a warm and compassionate Governor for all Queenslanders.
“In her role as UN Ambassador, Ms Wensley made a significant contribution to the global fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS, and also has a keen interest in the advancement of Indigenous Australians, particularly through art.
Ms Bligh said Ms Wensley had made it clear to her that her heart had always remained here in Queensland, where much of her and her husband’s family remain today.
“Ms Wensley and her husband, Stuart McCosker – a veterinary surgeon - have a very proud and distinguished Queensland heritage and have owned property on the Sunshine Coast hinterland for more than two decades,” Ms Bligh said.
“Her parents, Neil and Doris, met at the University of Queensland. Doris graduated and tutored at UQ and Neil went on to become a chemical engineer and defence/munitions expert for the Department of Defence, which saw the family move to the UK following World War II.
“Four generations of the Wensley family have graduated from UQ and Ms Wensley was the first woman to receive the UQ Alumnus of the Year Award in 1994.
“Mr McCosker’s family have owned and run a Sunshine Coast dairy and fruit farm since the 1930’s, which his family still own today.”
Ms Wensley and Mr McCosker have two adult daughters who are both lawyers.
Ms Bligh acknowledged the contribution of Her Excellency Quentin Bryce AC, who will retire from office on 29 July 2008.
“Ms Bryce has carried out her duties over the past five years with great distinction and has brought a great deal of humanity and compassion to the high office of Governor.
“She has been a passionate advocate for the rights of women and children and I know she will be an outstanding Governor-General for all Australians,” she said.
Ms Wensley will be sworn in as the 25th Governor of Queensland on 29 July 2008 at a ceremony at Parliament House.
MEDIA CONTACT: Premier's Office 07 3224 4500
Premier Anna Bligh, who made the announcement at Parliament House today, said Ms Wensley was a distinguished Queenslander who had made her mark on the world stage.
“Ms Wensley’s extensive diplomatic career has seen her represent our country at the highest level and with distinction – and I am delighted she will become Queensland’s next Governor,” Ms Bligh said.
“Born in Toowoomba and a First Class Honours graduate of the University of Queensland, Ms Wensley has most recently served as the Australian Ambassador to France since 2005.
“Prior to this, Ms Wensley served as Australia’s High Commissioner to India and immediately prior to this was Australia’s first female Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, where she played an important role in international peace and security, economic and social issues and humanitarian affairs and development.
“And now this outstanding Queenslander is coming home to serve our State,” she said.
Ms Bligh said she believed Ms Wensley’s international experience would bring an important global perspective to the role of Governor of Queensland.
“Our future as a State rests in a global context,” Ms Bligh said.
“We now operate in a truly global economy where international relations play a crucial role in the prosperity of our State.
“Ms Wensley was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2001 for her service to the development of Australia’s international relations and I welcome her extensive experience in this area,” she said.
“But beyond that, I also believe her dedication to social welfare, human rights and humanitarian and environmental issues will make her a warm and compassionate Governor for all Queenslanders.
“In her role as UN Ambassador, Ms Wensley made a significant contribution to the global fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS, and also has a keen interest in the advancement of Indigenous Australians, particularly through art.
Ms Bligh said Ms Wensley had made it clear to her that her heart had always remained here in Queensland, where much of her and her husband’s family remain today.
“Ms Wensley and her husband, Stuart McCosker – a veterinary surgeon - have a very proud and distinguished Queensland heritage and have owned property on the Sunshine Coast hinterland for more than two decades,” Ms Bligh said.
“Her parents, Neil and Doris, met at the University of Queensland. Doris graduated and tutored at UQ and Neil went on to become a chemical engineer and defence/munitions expert for the Department of Defence, which saw the family move to the UK following World War II.
“Four generations of the Wensley family have graduated from UQ and Ms Wensley was the first woman to receive the UQ Alumnus of the Year Award in 1994.
“Mr McCosker’s family have owned and run a Sunshine Coast dairy and fruit farm since the 1930’s, which his family still own today.”
Ms Wensley and Mr McCosker have two adult daughters who are both lawyers.
Ms Bligh acknowledged the contribution of Her Excellency Quentin Bryce AC, who will retire from office on 29 July 2008.
“Ms Bryce has carried out her duties over the past five years with great distinction and has brought a great deal of humanity and compassion to the high office of Governor.
“She has been a passionate advocate for the rights of women and children and I know she will be an outstanding Governor-General for all Australians,” she said.
Ms Wensley will be sworn in as the 25th Governor of Queensland on 29 July 2008 at a ceremony at Parliament House.
MEDIA CONTACT: Premier's Office 07 3224 4500