Following his appearance in a video testimonial for the construction business that refurbished his personal residence, the Australian Governor-General issued an apology.
David Hurley and his wife Linda made an appearance in the movie to give Homes by Howe excellent reviews after they extended their Canberra home 18 months ago.
Although it is not against the law, it is considered improper for a prominent public figure receiving a salary paid for by tax payers to promote a private company.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Governor-General, the Queen’s representative in Australia, expressed regret for the error.
I erred by agreeing, in the heat of the moment, to express my gratitude for the builder in a film and images, he said. I’m sorry for the error.
“I received no compensation of any kind for taking part.” My appointment was not to be mentioned, and my comments were not to be utilized in any direct commercial advertising.
But I should have made sure my instructions were carried out correctly.
I have requested that all content referencing my comments be taken down by the builder.
The pair further shared a selfie with the builder and architect in November, following the builder’s selection as a finalist for 2021 Master Builders Australia for the couple’s house additions totaling more than $1 million.
Government sources criticized the testimonies, calling them “absurd” and “extremely weird.”
Julian Hill, a Labor MP, called the testimonial a mistake.
To uphold the office’s dignity, it must be corrected. They must remain above business concerns, just as the Governor-General must be above politics.
The Governor General’s office stated that although he and his wife agreed to participate in a private film and photo shoot for the builder, no authorization was sought for the content to be made public.
The recommendation came from a private source after work was done on the Hurleys’ own residence at their own expense.
A spokeswoman stated that there was no cash payment, discount, or gifts of any kind.
The dissemination of the testimonial should not have included “Governor-General.”
“Neither Buckingham Palace nor the Prime Minister provide clearance on any activity (official or private) the Governor-General performs,” reads a statement from the governor-general.
For additional comment, Daily Mail Australia contacted Homes by Howe and The Governor General’s office.
In the video testimony, Governor General Hurley describes how they spent 18 months working on the project with the builder.
He said, “We’re incredibly happy with the result and finished product.”
We’ve had a great working relationship with Brendan and his team the entire time. We were able to communicate, they were really professional, and the conclusion was excellent.
Linda, the wife of the Governor-General, adds a few words to further laud the constructor.
Brendan has provided clear explanations. His smile never failed to appear. She remarked, “He’s always been kind, and he went above and beyond to make me happy.
And right now, I’m feeling quite joyful. And I want to express my gratitude for all the changes he has made for us.
I’m excited to live in the gorgeous home he has created.
On the Homes by Howe website, a section devoted to the restorations of the Governor General’s house still exists, along with a brief written testimonial from their well-known client.
Having the home extension for the Governor General’s private residence in Canberra entrusted to me was a wonderful honor.
As a result, David Hurley and his wife Linda can now enjoy their memory-filled home for many more years, according to the website.
The art of a fantastic house addition lies in achieving a smooth transition between the old and the new. Our keen attention to detail really shows here. Two thirds of the original house were destroyed to make room for this refurbishment and addition.
Just a few weeks ago, Governor-General Hurley came under fire for making “disrespectful” remarks at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
While in England for the festivities, reporters questioned the monarch’s ambassador for Australia about the prospect of our country becoming a republic.
While the Governor General claimed that the Queen received a lot of “emotional support” from Australians, he thinks that under the rule of a new queen, that support may diminish.
Mr. Hurley responded, “I think at the moment people are focused on the Queen, and then when she leaves, then the succession comes in, there’s a fresh topic in Australia.”
His remarks triggered a huge backlash at home, with Ben Fordham at the forefront of the criticism.