Major-General Philip Michael Jeffery ( born 12 December 1937 ) was the 24th Governor-General of Australia from 11 August 2003 until 5 September 2008 . Major General Philip Michael Jeffery AC , CVO , MC ( born 12 December 1937 ) was the 24th Governor-General of Australia ( 2003 â `` 2008 ) , the first Australian career soldier to be appointed governor-general .