Victoria's next governor, Monash University vice-chancellor Margaret Gardner AC, says while she is a republican she does not believe her views will pose any obstacle to her in her new role.
Premier Daniel Andrews announced on Monday that Professor Gardner would succeed outgoing governor Linda Dessau in the role from early August.
"An eminent Victorian, someone who has served higher education, learning, knowledge and, can I say, the advancement of women so, so well over a long and distinguished career," Mr Andrews said.
"In many other ways Margaret has been at the forefront of building the education state.
"Long before we named it the education state, people like Margaret and others worked very, very hard to make sure that we are at the centre of critical thinking, the centre of knowledge and learning, the centre of science and technology, and all of those incredible attributes that set us apart as a state."
Mr Andrews said he first met with Professor Gardner about four weeks ago to ask if she would be comfortable in having her name put forward for the role.
"Margaret was the only person that I asked, and the palace has agreed," he said.
Professor Gardner is the first female vice-chancellor of Monash and previously held that position at RMIT, as well as other senior positions at the University of Queensland and Griffith University.
"I look forward greatly to the broad engagement with the people of Victoria and to understanding more about the depth and breadth of this great state," Professor Gardner said.
"I'm hoping that in doing so I can encourage the respect for differences that is so important to being a great community. And indeed that I can help to express the hopes of the community for the future."
A 'republican personally' committed to carry out constitutional monarchy's role
Professor Gardner also confirmed she was a republican, but noted the role of governor had changed over the decades to become more ceremonial.
"I'm a republican personally but I recognise that we are living currently in a constitutional monarchy and we will do so until such time as the people decide otherwise," she said.
"I should note that the role of governor now is much different from when it was originally conceived … the governor is not subject to in fact following the advice, or subject to the veto of the King."
Professor Gardner was asked about the position of her husband, Glyn Davis, who serves as the Secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.
She acknowledged her husband's senior position but said it would be a "separate role” to her own in Victoria.
“He will continue to be my partner, I am the person who has to perform the role,” she said.
Speaking on the relationship, Mr Andrews said it was not unusual for partners to serve in different roles, mentioning to Ms Dessau’s marriage to Country Court judge Anthony Howard.
“This is a modern world. Often both partners in a partnership work, have different varied roles, and every governor and their partner make the role their own,” Mr Andrews said.
Mr Andrews thanked Ms Dessau and her husband for their leadership and service to the state during Ms Dessau's eight-year term.
Ms Dessau is the first female and first Jewish governor of Victoria.
Her stint in the position was accompanied at times by some controversy.
In 2016, Ms Dessau repaid the cost of two meals at expensive London restaurants after concerns were raised about the appropriateness of taxpayers footing the bill.
Ms Dessau will finish her term at the end of this month. The current Lieutenant Governor, Jim Angus, will act as governor until Professor Gardner commences her term as Victoria's 30th governor in August.
