A journalist for Governor-General

Caroline, if appointed, would become the second female Governor General. Ignoring gender quotas or political correctness, she would still be one of the best people for the job.

Then there is Melbourne radio talkback king Neil Mitchell, born 1951, who has the ear of the common people.

He was awarded the A.O. (Officer of the Order of Australia) in the 2007 Queen's Birthday Honours List for service to the print, radio and television media, and to the community through a range of charitable institutions.

Furthermore, Mitchell is a role model that younger people can relate to and would take seriously his anti-drug message. He revealed that he had tried marijuana two or three times.

"When I was a kid I tried it, briefly, but certainly never once a week," he said.

"I enjoyed it, but not massively. I was of a different generation and more interested in a beer and a chat."

Mitchell said today's marijuana was far more dangerous than the plants he tried.

"In its current form it's one of the most insidious and dangerous things we've got to cope with," he said

Last but not least is ex-ABC TV reporter Chris Masters, born 1948, who through his investigative work has exposed corrupt politicians, bureaucrats and injustices.

Or we can play it "safe" and stick to ex-politicians, diplomats, soldiers and judges. Putting that aside, I think General Peter Cosgrove, the hero of East Timor, would be an excellent candidate.