Barry O'Farrell to go bush for next governor of NSW THE retirement of Governor Marie Bashir in September will open the door for Barry O'Farrell to implement his wish to appoint a governor from the bush. When Dr Bashir moved back into the governor's residence in 2011 Mr O'Farrell said he'd like to see a future appointee come from rural NSW. Names mentioned to fill Ms Bashir's shoes have included former deputy PM Tim Fischer and former defence chief General Peter Cosgrove. Mr O'Farrell made the announcement on Ms Bashir's retirement yesterday after the Queen agreed to extend her tenure from February 2014 to September 26, 2014. "Professor Bashir has been one of this state's most loved governors and it is with regret I accept her decision to stand down," Mr O'Farrell said. As a person of Lebanese descent, there is no better example of the success of our multicultural society than Prof Bashir, who had a very successful career in health and academia before being appointed governor. NSW is a better place for Prof Bashir's service.