In 2009 Prime Minister Kevin Rudd described the Governor-General as the Australian head of state , announcing an overseas visit by Quentin Bryce by saying , `` A visit to Africa of this scale by Australia 's Head of State will express the seriousness of Australia 's commitment '' .
He said an overseas visit by Quentin Bryce '' ... to Africa of this scale by Australia 's Head of State will express the seriousness of Australia 's commitment '' .