By IANS,
Sydney : Australia will eventually become a republic, predicts former Australian high commissioner to India Penny Wensley, who will soon be sworn in as the governor of Queensland state.
“I believe that in due course the Australian people will decide they wish to become a republic, but they haven’t made that decision yet,” the former diplomat told Australian Associated Press (AAP).
“Until such time as they do so, we have institutions and systems that need to be upheld and respected,” said Wensley, who will assume office as Queensland governor in July end.
The 61-year-old ex-diplomat’s appointment as 25th governor of the northeastern state has been welcomed by both sides of state politics.
Wensley was posted as the high commissioner to New Delhi in November 2001 and played a vital role in strengthening bilateral ties in the years after India went nuclear.
Born in Toowoomba in Queensland and educated in New South Wales and London, Wensley joined the department of foreign affairs and trade in 1968 after graduating from University of Queensland.
She has just returned after serving as ambassador to France. She was earlier Australia’s ambassador and permanent representative to the United Nations in New York.
Wensley has particular interest in gender issues, HIV/AIDS, environment and sustainable development.