The ADC Forum today expressed its extreme sadness at the passing of their long serving Patron, Major General the Hon Michael Jeffery, AC, AO (Mil), CVO, MC (Retd) who was also the 24th Governor-General of Australia.

The highly respected former Army officer who was Governor of Western Australia for seven years before being appointed Governor-General in 2003, Major General Jeffery was regarded as a ‘national treasure’ of Australia. 

He was totally committed to bringing people together and finding solutions to issues from the education of young children to the advancement of indigenous people, the environment, the land and international relationships. His legacy as Australia’s first National Soil Advocate is just one of his outstanding accomplishments.

The Founder of the ADC Forum Michael Roux and its other Patron Jeanne Pratt AC extended their condolences to the Jeffery family and admiration of the role Major General Jeffery played in international dialogue and the promotion of Australia in global forums.

“We have lost a great ambassador for Australia, the youth of the nation and the future of the planet,” said Mr. Roux. “He did much to enhance dialogue at a diplomatic level with China and African nations, in particular Rwanda, as well as in the broader Asia Pacific region.”

“He has left an indelible footprint on our work at the Forum and in building international relationships at all levels of government and industry.”

Mrs. Pratt said: “We have lost a passionate and tireless advocate for the nation and our standing and respect in the world.”