Governor-General of Australia

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Representative of the monarch of Australia

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Incumbent
David Hurley

since 1 July 2019

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The Governor-General of Australia is the representative of the Monarch of Australia, currently Charles III. The Governor-General is appointed by the monarch on the advice of the prime minister. The role of the Governor-General is both ceremonial and constitutional, acting as the de facto head of state of Australia.

History

The office of the Governor-General was established on 1 January 1901, when the Commonwealth of Australia was formed. The first Governor-General was John Hope, 7th Earl of Hopetoun. Initially, the Governor-General was a British subject, but since 1965, all Governors-General have been Australian citizens.

Duties and Functions

The Governor-General performs a variety of ceremonial, constitutional, and community duties. These include:

• Giving Royal Assent to legislation passed by the Parliament of Australia
• Summoning and dissolving the parliament
• Appointing ministers, judges, and ambassadors
• Acting as Commander-in-Chief of the Australian Defence Force
• Representing Australia at home and abroad

Appointment

The Governor-General is appointed by the monarch on the advice of the prime minister. The term of office is at the monarch's pleasure, but it is typically around five years.

Residence

The official residence of the Governor-General is Government House, Canberra, also known as Yarralumla. There is also an official residence in Sydney, known as Admiralty House.

List of Governors-General

• John Hope, 7th Earl of Hopetoun (1901–1903)
• David Hurley (2019–present)

Related Pages

• Monarch of Australia
• Prime Minister of Australia
• Parliament of Australia
• Australian Defence Force
• Government House, Canberra
• Admiralty House, Sydney