17 June 2026
The 30th Governor of Tasmania, Her Excellency the Honourable Caroline Wells, was sworn to office in a ceremony at Government House this afternoon.
The Governor is His Majesty King Charles III’s representative in Tasmania and is appointed by His Majesty, on the advice of the Premier of Tasmania.
The appointment is made by a document known as a Commission, signed by The King, which was read out by the Governor’s Official Secretary David Hughes at the beginning of today’s ceremony.
The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Tasmania, the Honourable Christopher Shanahan, then invited Her Excellency to make two Affirmations: an affirmation of allegiance to the King, and an affirmation of office.
Following this, the Chief Justice then invited her to subscribe – or sign – the Affirmation Book, before the Honourable Jeremy Rockliff MP, Premier of Tasmania, presented her with the Commission.
The Premier then asked Her Excellency to sign and read out a document known as a Proclamation, which declared that she had assumed office as Governor.
Once she signed and read the Proclamation, she officially became Her Excellency the Honourable Caroline Wells, Governor of Tasmania.
Her Excellency said she was proud and humbled to be assuming the office of Governor.
“It is an honour and a privilege to have the opportunity to contribute and make a difference in this role,” Her Excellency said.
“I am looking forward to connecting with communities around our State and highlighting the many amazing people in Tasmania who are doing amazing things.”
Her Excellency and her partner Dr Rob Walters RFD will move into Government House over the coming weeks, along with their cat Gus.
Images: Alastair Bett
