What does the Governor-General of Australia do?
The Governor-General represents the monarch in Australia and carries out the head of state's duties. These include giving royal assent to laws, swearing in ministers, opening Parliament and acting as commander-in-chief of the Defence Force.
Australia is a constitutional monarchy, and the monarch of the United Kingdom is also the King or Queen of Australia. Because the monarch lives overseas, the Governor-General performs most of the role in Australia.
The Governor-General is appointed by the monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister, usually for a term of about five years.
Powers and duties
In practice, the Governor-General almost always acts on the advice of the government. However, the role includes reserve powers, which can be used in rare situations, such as the 1975 dismissal of Prime Minister Gough Whitlam by Governor-General Sir John Kerr.
The Governor-General also hosts official events, presents honors and awards, and visits communities across Australia. They live at Government House in Canberra, also known as Yarralumla, and have a Sydney residence at Admiralty House.
Each state has its own governor who performs similar duties at the state level.