Governor-General Stands Aside

This is the text of a statement issued by the Governor-General, Peter Hollingworth, in Sydney tonight.

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The Prime Minister, the Hon John Howard and I met today at Admiralty House.

I advised the Prime Minister that I was happy to stand aside from the position of Governor-General and we both agreed that I should do so until the issues relating to me raised by the case brought by the late 'Annie' Jarmyn are resolved.

The Prime Minister has initiated action for the appointment of an Administrator.

In taking this decision, I have always been mindful of maintaining the integrity and dignity of the office of the Governor-General of Australia.

I regret that this action will mean that I am unable to undertake previously agreed engagements.

I look forward to the earliest resolution of matters concerned in the 'Annie' Jarmyn case.