He replaces Marie Bashir, who was the second longest-serving Governor

The Premier, Mike Baird, made the announcement at 11.30am.

General Hurley said it was great privilege and honour to be appointed.

He said he saw it as a continuation of more than 40 years of public service.

‘‘I look forward to being able to fulfil the constitutional,  ceremonial and community roles of the appointment.

He also said Marie Bashir had left enormous shoes to fill.

‘‘She has given her whole life and enormous passion into her role.

"She has really paved the way for this role in NSW and Australia.''

General Hurley, 61, graduated from the Royal Military College at Duntroon in 1975. He became chief of defence in 2011.

Member for Kiama Gareth Ward congratulated General Hurley on his appointment.

He also commended Marie Bashir on her tenure in the role.

“General Hurley has given 42 years of distinguished service to our Defence Force and is a terrific appointment,'' he said.

"He is a shining example of ‘service before self’ and will bring many important qualities to the role as Governor of New South Wales.

‘‘Marie Bashir came to our region many times and is deeply loved here as was evidence by a civic reception I held not long after I came to office (July 2011) which more than 400 people attended.’’

Hurley will step down from the defence force at the end of June.