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.

A man sits at a wooden desk with pens and paperwork. Another man is approaching the desk while other people sit and watch.

The Governor-General swearing-in the Prime Minister.

DPS Auspic

The Governor-General swearing-in the Prime Minister.

A man sits at a wooden desk with pens and paperwork. Another man is approaching the desk while other people sit and watch.

DPS Auspic

Description

Anthony Albanese is sworn in as the 31th prime minister of Australia by Governor-General David Hurley in May 2022.