Dr James Muecke AM, ophthalmologist and co-founder of Sight For All, is to become South Australia’s next Lieutenant Governor, He will be sworn in on Thursday 27 January 2022 at a ceremony held at Government House.
Dr Muecke, who was the 2020 Australian of the Year, described the appointment as an opportunity to “give back”.
South Australia has given so much to me. It’s now time for me to give back to South Australia
Speaking to mivision he said “I’m proudly South Australian and so it’s a tremendous honour and a privilege to serve the people of this state, a part of the world that’s very dear to me.
“South Australia has allowed me to fulfil my dreams – to raise a family, to become an eye surgeon, to be a part of Sight For All, and to make a difference to the lives of people in this country and in many of the poorest countries of the world.
“South Australia has given so much to me. It’s now time for me to give back to South Australia.”
Premier Steven Marshall said the 2020 Australian of the Year, Dr Muecke AM is the perfect fit for the role.
“I am extremely honoured to announce that Dr James Muecke AM will be South Australia’s next Lieutenant Governor,” Premier Marshall said.
“He is one of South Australia’s favourite sons, a true pioneer in blindness prevention and an incredibly accomplished eye surgeon – dedicating 32 years to his humanitarian work.
“The 2020 Australian of the Year comes to this role with a wealth of national and international experience, and I very much look forward to working with him.”
The Role of Lieutenant Governor
The Lieutenant Governor is appointed by the Governor of South Australia for a term ‘during the Governor’s pleasure’.
Although the role does not carry any specific duties or powers, as Lieutenant Governor Dr Muecke will be the first person called upon to act as the Vice – Regal representative in the absence of the Governor.
If the Governor is absent (i.e. from Adelaide) for four weeks or less, or suffers from a temporary illness, as Lieutenant Governor Dr Meucke will be appointed by the Governor as the Governor’s Deputy.
As described by the Government House of South Australia, on written request of the Premier, “The Lieutenant Governor may also assume the administration of the State as Administrator and exercise the powers and functions of the Governor if the office of the Governor is vacant (e.g. in the period between Governors) or the Governor is on extended leave.”
Dr James Meucke will succeed Professor Brenda Wilson AM who has served in the role since August 2014.
