Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen has announced that he has suspended personal use of the insignia of the Order of St Michael and St George (GCMG) containing the offending image. This also follows his acknowledgement of concerns raised by citizens over the image on the medal, and the growing global rejection of the use of objects that normalize the continued degradation of people of color.
Additionally, The Governor-General has asked his Office to initiate an immediate review of all insignias and iconography associated with the Office of The Governor-General that may be considered racialized or culturally inappropriate.
The Governor-General has sent a letter to the Chancellor of the Order of St Michael and St George requesting a revision of the image used on the medal, and recommending that it be “changed to reflect an inclusive image of the shared humanity of all peoples.”
Sir Patrick has encouraged everyone to work together to build a more just and inclusive society.