Head of State and Governor-General
Australia is a constitutional monarchy with the King of Australia as Head of State. The Governor-General represents the King, gives Royal Assent to laws and is Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Force, while the Prime Minister leads the government.
What to remember
- Head of State: the King of Australia, His Majesty King Charles III. Constitutional monarchy.
- The King appoints the Governor-General on the Prime Minister's advice; a Governor represents the King in each state.
- The Governor-General gives Royal Assent, approves appointments, starts federal elections, is Commander-in-Chief of the ADF, and is neutral, with 'reserve powers'.
- The Prime Minister leads the Australian Government.
Sample questions
Who is Australia's Head of State?Show answer
- The Governor-General
- The King of Australia, His Majesty King Charles III
- The Prime Minister
The King of Australia, His Majesty King Charles III. Australia's Head of State is the King of Australia, His Majesty King Charles III.
Who appoints the Governor-General?Show answer
- The King of Australia, on the advice of the Prime Minister
- The Australian people, by election
- The High Court
The King of Australia, on the advice of the Prime Minister. The King of Australia appoints the Governor-General as his representative in Australia, on advice from the Australian Prime Minister.
What does it mean that Australia is a 'constitutional monarchy'?Show answer
- Australia has no Head of State
- The King is Head of State but must act in accordance with the Constitution
- The King makes all laws for Australia
The King is Head of State but must act in accordance with the Constitution. Australia is a constitutional monarchy: the King is Head of State but has to act in accordance with the Constitution. His powers are delegated to the Governor-General.
Source: Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, pp. 26–27. Read the full booklet on the Home Affairs website.