Dr Hollingworth | National Museum of Australia

On 25 May 2003 the Right Reverend Dr Peter Hollingworth resigned as Governor-General of Australia.

Dr Hollingworth cited his concern about the impact of continuing controversy over his handling of sexual abuse allegations in his previous role as Archbishop of Brisbane. He then advised the Prime Minister that he could no longer continue in the office of Governor-General.

Cartoonists mused on the demise of Australia's head of state and the Prime Minister's powers to appoint and dismiss the Governor-General.

Political cartoon of a crown held in the air by a pair of columns. One column is broken and falling to the ground. A man in a bishops hat walks away with a suitcase in each hand. - click to view larger image — 'One more blow for the crown' by John Tiedemann

Political cartoon of a man holding a life preserver in a wild sea. - click to view larger image — 'Governor-General adrift' by Paul Newman

Political cartoon of two men having a phone conversation. The man in the left frame is speaking into the phone which is represented by a speech bubble with the words — 'G.O. G.G. G.O.' by Mark Knight

Political cartoon of John Howard tripping Peter Hollingworth with a shepherd's crook. - click to view larger image — 'The shepherd's crook' by Rocco Fazzari

Political cartoon of John Howard conducting a job interview. He asks 'Would you describe yourself as more of a — 'Job interview' by Jon Kudelka

Political cartoon of John Howard and a kangaroo in a tie on stage. Text is as follows: Initially the decision to appoint Skippy the bush kangaroo as Governor General was welcomed by the Australian people. A respected public figure with a record of doing good deeds for the community, he was considered wise, compassionate and quintessentially Australian, Later, following the constitutional crisis of 2006 and Skippy's subsequent dismissal of the Howard government, many questioned the wisdom of giving a marsupial such over-riding powers. Never the less, none could deny he discharged his duties with dignity & grace, and he was widely agreed to be the cutest Governor General since Ninian Stephen. - click to view larger image — 'New Governor-General' by Andrew Weldon

Behind the Lines 2008

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