An Australian doctor who became a national hero after helping rescue 12 boys from the depths of a cave in Thailand will take up a high-profile ceremonial position in a surprise appointment.
Dr. Richard Harris, who helped rescue the boys and their football coach from the cave in June 2018, has been appointed deputy governor of South Australia by Prime Minister Peter Malinauskas.
The position of lieutenant governor is second in line to that of the state governor, who is appointed by His Majesty the King to ensure that the state government carries out its duties properly.
Dr. Harris will be sworn in as Deputy Governor by the Governor of South Australia, Her Excellency the Honorable Frances Adamson AC, at a ceremony to be held at Government House on February 9.
The retired medical professional – who has more than 30 years of experience as a specialist cave diver – gained global recognition after he was called upon to rescue the trapped football team.
Dr. Harris led a team of 100 expert divers from around the world who risked their lives to free the boys from the flooded cave in a grueling and delicate operation that captivated the world.
Dr. Richard Harris (pictured), who helped rescue 12 boys from a Thai cave, will become South Australia’s next lieutenant governor
The Adelaide native and former anesthetist worked tirelessly with fellow Australian cave diving expert Dr Craig Challen during the dangerous three-day rescue mission to save the boys.
The pair, along with the divers, worked non-stop for 12 hours at one point as part of the delicate evacuation to successfully free the football team.
Dr. Harris will replace retiring Lieutenant Governor Dr. Replace James Muecke AM, who has held this position since January 27, 2022.
Mr. Malinauskas praised Dr. Harris as “a hero” and said he was the perfect appointment for the role.
Dr. Harris (pictured), an experienced cave diver and Adelaide native, will be sworn in to the important constitutional role at a ceremony on February 9.
Dr. Harris (left) and Dr. Craig Challen (right) worked tirelessly to save the boys and their coach during the grueling rescue mission
‘Dr. “Richard Harris has dedicated his life to helping others and I am confident he will serve our state with distinction as the next Lieutenant Governor of South Australia,” he said. The advertiser.
“He will be a great representative of our state and deputy to our governor.”
Dr. Harris said he was honored to be called to serve his state.
“As a proud South Australian, I look forward to representing our great state in this important role,” he told the newspaper.
Although the lieutenant governor has no specific powers or responsibilities, he or she may be appointed acting governor in the governor’s absence.
Dr. Harris was joined in 2019 by Dr. Challen was awarded the joint Australian of the Year award and also received the Order of Australia (OAM) medal.