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Who is Australia’s Head of State? · 1 min read

The role of the Governor-General

The Governor-General is not part of the government and must remain neutral.

The Governor-General’s role includes:

• signing all Bills passed by the Australian Parliament into law (this is called Royal Assent)

• performing ceremonial duties

• approving the appointment of the Australian Government and its ministers, federal judges and other officials

• starting the process for a federal election

• acting as Commander-in-Chief of the Australian Defence Force.

The Governor-General also has special powers known as ‘reserve powers’ that can only be used in specific circumstances.

Test yourself on this topic

5 questions on this topic, each with the answer explained.

  1. 1. The Governor-General's special powers, which may only be used in specific circumstances, are known as what?

    • Federal powers
    • Reserve powers
    • Ceremonial powers
    • Assent powers

    Explanation: These are called reserve powers because they are kept back for particular situations only.

  2. 2. What is Royal Assent?

    • Approving the money that the Senate has voted for
    • Choosing the ministers for a new government
    • Opening a new session of the state parliaments
    • Signing Bills passed by the Parliament into law

    Explanation: A Bill becomes law when the Governor-General signs it, and this signing is called Royal Assent.

  3. 3. Which statement about the Governor-General's position is correct?

    • The Governor-General leads the largest political party in Parliament
    • The Governor-General sits in the Senate as a representative of a state
    • The Governor-General is elected by the voters at each federal election
    • The Governor-General is not part of the government and must remain neutral

    Explanation: The Governor-General stands outside the government and must stay neutral in political matters.

  4. 4. Who acts as Commander-in-Chief of the Australian Defence Force?

    • The Governor-General
    • The King of Australia
    • The Prime Minister
    • The Chief Minister

    Explanation: Acting as Commander-in-Chief of the Australian Defence Force is one of the Governor-General's listed roles.

  5. 5. Who starts the process for a federal election?

    • The state governors
    • The Governor-General
    • The Prime Minister
    • The King of Australia

    Explanation: Beginning the process for a federal election is part of the Governor-General's role.

From Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, the official booklet