What is the role of the King in Australia's system of government?
Australia is a constitutional monarchy and our head of state is the King. However, the King does not have a role in the day-to-day running of Australia. On the advice of the Prime Minister, the King appoints the Governor-General, who is the King’s representative in Australia.
The Australian Constitution delegates – gives – certain powers to the Governor-General to act on behalf of the King. These include giving Royal Assent to laws passed by the Australian Parliament and starting the process for a federal election. While these powers are exercised by the Governor-General, in reality this is normally done on the advice of the Prime Minister and ministers.
The Governor-General swearing in the Prime Minister
Mel Adams/DPS Auspic
The Governor-General swearing in the 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.
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.