Michael Jeffery

Who is Michael Jeffery?

Major General Philip Michael Jeffery AC, CVO, MC is a retired senior Australian Army officer who was the 24th Governor-General of Australia, serving from 2003 to 2008, and the 30th Governor of Western Australia, serving from 1993 to 2000. From Perth, Western Australia, he graduated from the Royal Military College, Duntroon, and served during both the Malayan Emergency and the Vietnam War, being awarded the Military Cross during the latter conflict. Jeffery was at various stages commander of the Special Air Service Regiment and the 1st Division, and subsequently Deputy Chief of General Staff, before retiring from active service in 1993. Having previously served in the equivalent viceregal role in Western Australia, Jeffery was appointed governor-general in 2003, following the resignation of Peter Hollingworth. The first career soldier to hold the position, he was succeeded by Quentin Bryce.