South Australian anaesthetist and Thai cave rescue hero Dr Richard Harris OAM has been appointed the Lieutenant Governor of South Australia.
Dr Harris, a former Australian of the Year, will replace Dr James Muecke who has served in the role since 2022.
An anaesthetist for more than 30 years, Dr Harris rose to global prominence following his involvement in the rescue of 12 children trapped in a cave in Thailand.
Dr Harris has more than 30 years of experience as a cave diver and used his dual skills as an anaesthetist and cave diver to help develop and execute a plan to rescue the boys, saving their lives.
He has participated in other complex diving recoveries, appeared in National Geographic documentaries and, in 2015, was recognised for his outstanding contribution to cave exploration.
In 2017 he was awarded The Australasian Technical Diver of the Year.
Dr Harris will serve as deputy to Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, the Governor of South Australia.
The Lieutenant Governor acts as the state’s Vice Regal representative in the absence of the Governor.
Dr Harris will be sworn in by Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC at a ceremony on February 9 at Government House.
Dr Harris said he was truly honoured to be appointed South Australia’s Lieutenant Governor.
“As a proud South Australian, I am looking forward to representing our great state in this important role,” he said.
“I look forward to working with Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC and I want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Dr James Muecke for his service.”
Premier Peter Malinauskas said Dr Harris was an ideal candidate for the role
“Dr Richard Harris has dedicated his life to helping others and I have every confidence he will serve our state with distinction as the new Lieutenant Governor of South Australia,” he sid.
“Dr Harris is a hero in every sense of the word – and will be a fine representative of our state and deputy to our Governor.
“I also want to take this opportunity to thank Dr James Muecke for his service in the role of Lieutenant Governor of South Australia and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”
