Can a state governor, instead of the Governor-General, swear in the Deputy Prime Minister?

Thanks for your question.

The Governor-General, acting on the advice of the Australian Government, is responsible for swearing-in ministers. There are occasions when the Governor-General is overseas on official business or on leave, and unavailable to act on the advice of the government. In such cases, a state governor is commissioned to act as Administrator of the Commonwealth and performs the functions of the Governor-General, including the swearing-in of ministers.

The appointment of ministers is covered in section 64 of the Australian Constitution.

The Governor-General sits at a wooden desk with pens and paperwork. Anthony Albanese is standing at the desk to be sworn in as Prime Minister.

The Governor-General swearing in the Prime Minister

Mel Adams/DPS Auspic

The Governor-General swearing in the Prime Minister

The Governor-General sits at a wooden desk with pens and paperwork. Anthony Albanese is standing at the desk to be sworn in as Prime Minister.

Mel Adams/DPS Auspic

Description

Anthony Albanese is sworn in as Prime Minister of Australia by the Governor-General.

The Governor-General is responsible for appointing the prime minister. By convention – tradition – the prime minister is a member of the House of Representatives who leads the parliamentary party or coalition of parties that has the support of the majority of members in the House.