General Peter Cosgrove, AC, MC nominated as Australia's 26th Governor-General

The Queen of Australia with General Peter Cosgrove, AM, MC at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra, in October 2011.

Retired defence chief General Peter Cosgrove, AC, MC has been nominated as Australia's next governor-general by Prime Minister Tony Abbott.

The ceremonial role, as representative of Queen Elizabeth II, involves opening parliament, giving assent to laws and receiving official visitors.

General Cosgrove will become the 26th governor-general of Australia. Governor-General Quentin Bryce's term will end in March.

The Governor-General is appointed by the Queen on advice of Her Majesty's Australian prime minister.