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 swearing in the Prime Minister
DPS Auspic
The Governor-General swearing in the Prime Minister
DPS Auspic
Description
Anthony Albanese is sworn in as Prime Minister of Australia by Australia's 27th Governor-General David Hurley in May 2022.
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.