The Governor-General of Australia is the official representative of the Queen as head of state.
He or she is appointed by the Queen on the recommendation of the Australian Prime Minister, and serves at the pleasure of the Queen. In current practice this is regarded as a term of five years.
As representative of the Sovereign, the Governor-General is the commander-in-chief of the Australian Armed Forces but acts on the advice of the Prime Minister and his Government.
Almost all his constitutional duties are performed on the advice of the Government.
Ceremonial duties
The Governor-General performs many ceremonial duties as representative of the Queen.
See Governor-General's Role for the extent of his powers, duties and responsibilities.
In some proposals for turning Australia into a republic, which depends on a natonal referendum, the position of Governor-General would be abolished and the position of President would be created in its place.
The referendum in 1999 decided against the establishment of a republic.
Next page: Governors-General Since 1901
