Can the Governor-General suggest changes to a bill or refuse to sign it?

Hi Dinky. That’s a great question!

To become a law, a bill passed by the Parliament must be given Royal Assent – be signed into law – by the Governor-General. Under Section 58 of the Australian Constitution, the Governor-General can: 

  • refuse to sign the bill
  • send the bill back to the Parliament with suggestions for amendments – changes. 

No Governor-General has refused to sign a bill. Occasionally they have returned a bill to the Parliament because of drafting errors. Once the Parliament fixed these errors, the Governor-General assented to the bill.

In giving Royal Assent, the Governor-General’s job is to check that the Parliament followed the Constitution when it passed the bill. If the Governor-General suggests an amendment to a bill, it is up to the Parliament to decide if it agrees to the amendment.

 

A woman signs a document at desk in front of Australian flags.

The Governor-General signing a bill.

Mel Adams/DPS AUSPIC

The Governor-General signing a bill.

A woman signs a document at desk in front of Australian flags.

Mel Adams/DPS AUSPIC

Description

Australia's 28th Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, signing a bill, giving it royal assent. This bill now becomes an Act of parliament – a law.

Permission should be sought from DPS AUSPIC for third-party or commercial uses of this image. To contact DPS AUSPIC email: auspic@aph.gov.au or phone: 02 6277 3342.