Mr Hurley was governor of NSW from 2014 until earlier this year. Before that, he served for more than four decades in the Australian Army, including three years as Defence Force chief.
Australia's new governor-general, David Hurley, says his focus will be on highlighting the "richness of spirit" in Australians and groups supporting veterans, asylum seekers and Indigenous Australians.
He said his time as NSW governor has made him acutely aware of the "richness" and cultural diversity of Australia.
"I have seen this richness of spirit at work in the people and the organisations assisting our veterans, our rural communities under stress, asylum seekers who we have welcomed into our country and our Indigenous brothers and sisters.
"There are countless organisations and people demonstrating how rich this country is every day.
"As Governor-General, I am committed absolutely to supporting these people in their work."
