Become AuggieStudy / Part 3: Government and the law in Australia
Head of State and Governor-General
- The Head of State is the King of Australia, Charles III
- A constitutional monarch acts within the Constitution
- The King appoints the Governor-General on the PM's advice
- State Governors represent the King in each state
- The Governor-General gives Royal Assent to Bills
- The Governor-General is Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Force
- The role is neutral, with reserve powers
- King of AustraliaHead of State, King Charles III
- Governor-GeneralAppointed on the Prime Minister's advice; neutral
- Royal AssentSigns Bills into law
- Commander-in-ChiefOf the Australian Defence Force
- Reserve powersUsed only in specific circumstances
- State GovernorsRepresent the King in each state
Key facts
- Head of State: the King of Australia, King Charles III.
- Constitutional monarchy: the King acts according to the Constitution.
- Governor-General appointed by the King on the Prime Minister's advice.
- State Governors represent the King in each state.
- Governor-General gives Royal Assent to Bills.
- Governor-General is Commander-in-Chief of the Australian Defence Force.
- Governor-General is neutral and holds reserve powers.