Ex-military chief appointed Queen`s envoy in Australia

Melbourne: Former defence forces chief Peter Cosgrove was today appointed Australia`s new Governor-General to represent Britain`s Queen Elizabeth II in the country.

Cosgrove, 66, would replace Quentin Bryce, who would complete five-year term?in March this year. He will be the nation`s 26th Governor-General but only the 12th to have been born in Australia. Fourteen were born in the UK. He will represent the Queen in Australia. Announcing his appointment in Canberra, Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said, "Throughout his life he has demonstrated a commitment to our country and a commitment to service. "I am confident that in this new role he will continue to deliver to a grateful nation leadership beyond politics. I am confident that ... Peter will discharge his responsibilities with confidence and integrity," Abbott said. Cosgrove said, "My approach to this job will be of course as I`ve approached all those times when I`ve been asked to serve Australia." Cosgrove served as head of the Defence Force from 2002 and retired in 2005.