A new Governor-General of Australia, the constitutional representative of Queen Elizabeth II, has been sworn in.
Major General Michael Jeffery is the first Australian military officer to hold the post.
His predecessor, Peter Hollingworth, a former Anglican archbishop, resigned after allegations that he helped protect a paedophile priest.
The BBC's Dominic Hughes in Sydney says Michael Jeffery is regarded as a safe pair of hands, after the turmoil that engulfed the governor-general's office under Mr Hollingworth.
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We are a free, decent and innovative people, prepared to have a go
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Michael Jeffery
Major General Jeffery swore to bring "dignity and integrity" to the governor-generalship, at a ceremony in parliament house in Canberra.
A former commander of the Australian SAS and a winner of the Military Cross when he served in Vietnam, the 65-year-old has already served as the state governor of Western Australia from 1993 to 2000.
He said he was "proud and extremely humble" to take up his new job.
"I will do my best to fulfil the constitutional and public obligations of this high office with dedication, dignity and integrity," he said.
"We are a free, decent and innovative people, prepared to have a go, and committed to protecting and sustaining the rights and obligations of all citizens living within our vibrant democracy under the rule of law," he said.
'Errors of judgement'
Peter Hollingworth was forced to stand down over his handling of child abuse allegations during his time as Archbishop of Brisbane.
He later admitted he had made "errors of judgement".
Our correspondent says Prime Minister John Howard needed a figure who would restore some respect to the office and it appears that Major General Jeffery fits that bill.
Regarded as a social and political conservative, he also holds strong views on defence and regional security issues.
The new Governor-General will be more than aware of the controversy that engulfed his predecessor and the damage done to an office that comes with some significant constitutional roles, but perhaps more importantly, has the power to unite Australians, our correspondent says.
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