david john hurley (born 26 august 1953) is an australian former army officer. hurley is the 27th governor-general of australia since 1 july 2019. he was the governor of new south wales from 2014 to 2019. he had a 42-year long career in the australian army. he served as the chief of capability development group (2003–2007), the chief of joint operations (2007–2008). he later served as the af's vice chief (2008–2011), and as chief (2011–2014), in succession to air chief marshal angus houston. hurley retired from the army in june 2014 at the rank of general.