The Governor-General of Australia faces a significant dilemma.

The Governor-General faces a significant dilemma. Her active participation in a politically contentious lobby, particularly one focused on transgender issues, raises concerns about the sustainability of her role. As Australia's Head of State, she is expected to remain above political conflicts rather than engage in them. This situation presents her with a decision: either withdraw from the lobby or resign from her position as Governor-General.

In her role as Patron of the Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA), the Governor-General celebrated the council's 80th anniversary by presenting the 2025 Book of the Year Awards during Book Week festivities held at the National Library of Australia.

She extended her congratulations to the award winners for the 2025 Book of the Year, which included:

- Older Readers: "I'm Not Really Here," by Gary Lonesborough
- Younger Readers: "Laughter is the Best Ending," by Maryam Master and Alstred Hicks
- Early Childhood: "The Wobbly Bike," by Darren McCallum and Craig Smith
- Picture Book: "The Truck Cat," by Danny Snell and Deborah Frenkel
- Eva Pownall Award: "Always Was Always Will Be," by Aunty Fay Muir and Sue Lawson
- New Illustrator: "Grow Big, Little Seed," by Sarah Capon

These books will be displayed at Government House.

The Governor-General and the audience enjoyed insights from enthusiastic students participating in the Shadow Judging Book of the Year program.

This year's Book Week, happening from August 16 to 23, revolves around the theme 'Book an Adventure,' encouraging communities to engage in storytelling and related activities while celebrating the joy of literature.

The Governor-General expressed gratitude to all authors, illustrators, library staff, teachers, parents, and particularly students for their dedication to reading. She also shared her personal connection to literature by mentioning the book she always carries with her—the Australian Constitution.

She acknowledged Aunty Selina Walker for her Welcome to Country and recognized several individuals, including CBCA's National Board Chair Jo Panckridge, ACT Branch President Julie Long OAM, Dr. Mary-Louise Ayres & Luke Hickey from the National Library of Australia, Dr. Belle Alderman ME, Director of the National Centre for Australian Children's Literature, and Emily Martin, Acting CEO of the Royal Australian Mint.