Australia's scandal-tainted governor-general Peter Hollingworth has temporarily stood aside from his post as nominal head of state until a rape allegation made against him dating back to the 1960s is resolved in court. Prime Minister John Howard on Sunday told reporters that the British queen's representative Governor-General had decided to step down until the case was determined. "It has been agreed between the governor-general and myself that Dr. Hollingworth will stand aside from his position as governor-general pending the determination of the court proceedings initiated in the Supreme Court of Victoria," Prime Minister John Howard said.