Australia's first female Governor-General, Quentin Bryce, yesterday took the oath of office and pledged allegiance to Queen Elizabeth II, her heirs and successors, surrounded by the family and friends she declared to be "the heart and soul of me".

Ms Bryce undertook to reflect the ideals, values, expectations and achievements of the people as those gathered at Parliament House celebrated her triumph.

"These are exciting times for Australia: for Australians and our leaders. I want you to know that I take on this role with solemnity, energy and a profound love for the country we share," Ms Bryce said. "I promise to be alive, open, responsive and faithful to the contemporary thinking and working of Australian society."

As the former Queensland governor, lawyer, academic, sex discrimination commissioner and child-care campaigner became the 25th Governor-General, her children and well-behaved grandchildren watched from the floor of the Senate chamber in seats usually occupied by MPs. At the end there were plenty of hugs and kisses.

MPs also came with their young children, including the Minister for Health, Nicola Roxon, with her three-year-old daughter, Rebecca.

Ms Bryce's long-time friend, the singer Aunty Delmae Barton, who performed Dreamtime Australiana , was among those who also sat in the Senate with MPs, High Court judges, the former governor-general Sir William Deane and the Queensland Premier, Anna Bligh.

There was not a hat in sight in a Senate decorated with native flowers and wattle picked fresh from the Parliament House garden, as "Queen Quentin" smashed 107 years of male rule.

"Our growing capacity to balance tradition with renewal is a sure and uplifting sign of our standing as a sophisticated and highly functional civilised society and member of the global community," she said.

Outside, a traditional 21-gun salute was balanced with the first welcome-to-country ceremony performed for the swearing-in of a governor-general.

The Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, said Ms Bryce would bring a "very special touch" to the vice-regal office as he hinted she would be given a more prominent public profile than her predecessor. "Your excellency, you will share moments of great triumph with the people of Australia and you will be there in the most difficult of times."

The Opposition Leader, Brendan Nelson, said her intellect and idealism had driven practical measures to serve the welfare of others. "You have at all times served with grace and dignity that you have worn as comfortably as a smile that will engage all Australians."

The Defence Force Chief, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, said the brass was "delighted with her appointment. It's a very enlightened one and one that's very good for Australia."