Governor General Quentin Bryce welcomed Philippine President, Benigno Aquino, to Government House on October 24.Click for more photos

The GG is quite the workhorse

Governor General Quentin Bryce welcomed Philippine President, Benigno Aquino, to Government House on October 24. Photo: Andrew Meares

QUENTIN Bryce has issued an impressive list of how she has measured up on her KPIs, as Julia Gillard announced an extension of her term by six months until March 2014.

A statement from Government House gave a formidably detailed rundown of what the Governor-General has done since she took up the job in September 2008, appointed by former prime minister Kevin Rudd.

She has delivered 668 speeches, attended 1029 events throughout Australia, been at 606 events overseas; presented 647 honours at 38 investitures (including two presentations of the Victoria Cross), and hosted 564 official functions.

She has had 746 callers; received the credentials of 115 ambassadors and high commissioners, presided over 95 meetings of the Federal Executive Council, which considered 2723 agenda items and assented to 679 pieces of legislation passed by Parliament.

As Commander-in-Chief, Ms Bryce has represented Australia at ceremonies in numerous countries – all listed. She has also welcomed the Queen and other members of the royal family, and 37 visiting heads of state.

On average Ms Bryce has given a speech every other day and attended more than one event for every day in office. She has hosted an official function every second day and received diplomatic credentials on average once a week.

No wonder, on the basis of work alone, the much-respected Ms Bryce has got an extension, and Tony Abbott has welcomed it. She would be a credit to the Productivity Commission.

For all this she gets just under $400,000 a year, plus a very nice house in Canberra and another with harbour views in Sydney. There are other perks but no performance bonus.

Asked about holidays, a Government House spokesman said: ”The Governor-General works continuously throughout the year and takes leave when opportunities arise in her busy program of engagements.”

Ms Bryce’s five-year term would have ended in September next year. This could have clashed with the election, which is due in August but constitutionally could be a little later.