This determination, which comes into force on 1 April 2018, increases the rate of the annuity payable to a former Governor-General.

The yearly rate of the annuity is increased from $15,270 to $15,500 from 1 April 2018 with the maximum annuity payable being increased from $76,350 to $77,500 per annum.

The rate of the annuity is the same regardless of whether the former Governor-General held office for a total period of less than 2 complete years or for a total period of 2 complete years or more. If a former Governor-General held office for 2 complete years or more, the annual annuity payable is determined by multiplying the yearly rate by each complete year of the period that the Governor-General held office, up to a maximum of 5 years.

Section 9 of the Governor-General Act 2010 (the Act) provides that if a former Governor-General dies, the surviving spouse or partner is to be paid an annuity at half of the yearly rate that would have been payable if the person had not died.

Section 8(4) of the Act provides that the annuity is payable from the date that is 6 months after the date on which the person ceased to hold office as Governor-General.

The annuity recognises the contribution made to the country by a former Governor-General when that person was in the role and it also recognises the role of the former Governor-General’s spouse or partner. In addition, it takes account of the former Governor-General’s ongoing commitments after their term of office has ended.

This determination takes into account a range of factors, including the pay for other senior positions where the Remuneration Authority sets the remuneration.

This determination is for the year beginning 1 April 2018 and ending on 31 March 2019.

This determination expires on 31 March 2019.