Australian Citizenship Practice Exam 2026 - Free Citizenship Practice Questions and Study Guide

The Governor-General of Australia is appointed by the Monarch, who is the head of state. This position is largely ceremonial and represents the British monarch in Australia, given that Australia is a constitutional monarchy. The appointment of the Governor-General involves a formal process, which includes seeking the advice of the Prime Minister, but ultimately the authority to appoint lies with the Monarch.

This relationship emphasizes the constitutional structure of Australia's government, where the powers of the Monarch are exercised through the Governor-General at the federal level, while still adhering to the conventions of constitutional monarchy. The Governor-General's roles include carrying out the functions of the executive government, giving royal assent to legislation passed by Parliament, and performing ceremonial duties.

Understanding the distinction between the roles of the Governor-General, the Prime Minister, the Parliament, and the High Court is crucial in grasping the functioning of Australia's political system. The Prime Minister generally influences the appointment by advising the Monarch, but they do not have the authority to appoint the Governor-General directly.