Head of State and the Governor-General

The yarn

• Australia's Head of State is the King of Australia, His Majesty King Charles III.
• The King appoints the Governor-General as his representative in Australia, on advice from the Australian Prime Minister. The Governor-General acts independently of all political parties and must remain neutral.
• The Governor-General's role includes: signing all Bills passed by parliament into law (Royal Assent); performing ceremonial duties; approving the appointment of the government, ministers, federal judges and other officials; starting the process for a federal election; and acting as Commander-in-Chief of the Australian Defence Force.
• The Governor-General also has special 'reserve powers' that can only be used in specific circumstances.
• Australia is a constitutional monarchy: the King is Head of State but has to act in accordance with the Constitution. In each state, a Governor represents the King. In the Northern Territory, an Administrator is appointed by the Governor-General.