Hi PEO, I was just wondering why the prime minister can't be the representative of the English King/Queen in Australia (Governor-General)?

Thanks for your question Ben. The short answer is that if the prime minister held both roles it could give too much power to one person.

Australia is a constitutional monarchy. In this system of government, the representative of the British monarchy – the king or queen – is the Governor-General. Their role, which is outlined in our Constitution, is to keep a check on the work of the Parliament and to make sure the correct process for making laws is followed. They do not sit in the Parliament, make speeches or vote on proposed laws.