On 25 May 2003 the Right Reverend Dr Peter Hollingworth resigned as Governor-General of Australia. Dr Hollingworth cited his concern about the impact of continuing controversy over his handling of sexual abuse allegations in his previous role as Archbishop of Brisbane. He then advised the Prime Minister that he could no longer continue in the office of Governor-General. Cartoonists mused on the demise of Australia's head of state and the Prime Minister's powers to appoint and dismiss the Governor-General.
