Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia
| Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia | |
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Badge of the Governor-General of Australia
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| Style | His Excellency the Honourable |
| Residence | |
| Nominator | Prime Minister of Australia |
| Appointer | Monarch of Australia |
| Term length | (under convention, usually 5 years) |
| Formation | 1 January 1901 |
| First holder | The Earl of Hopetoun |
| Salary | $425,000 |
| Website | gg |
The Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia is the representative in Australia of the Australian monarch, currently Queen Elizabeth II. The governor-general is appointed by the Queen on the advice of the Prime Minister of Australia. The governor-general has formal presidency over the Federal Executive Council and is Commander-in-Chief of the Australian Defence Force, as well as viceregal representative in the Australian Capital Territory. The functions of the governor-general include appointing ministers, judges, and ambassadors; giving royal assent to legislation passed by Parliament; issuing writs for election; and bestowing Australian honours.
In general, the governor-general observes the conventions of the Westminster system and responsible government, maintaining a political neutrality, and has almost always acted only on the advice of the prime minister or other ministers or, in certain cases, the Parliament. The governor-general also has a ceremonial role: hosting events at either of the two viceregal residences—Government House in the capital, Canberra, and Admiralty House in Sydney—and travelling throughout Australia to open conferences, attend services and commemorations, and generally provide encouragement to individuals and groups who are contributing to their communities. When travelling abroad, the governor-general is seen as the representative of Australia, and of the Queen of Australia, so is treated as a head of state. The governor-general is supported by a staff headed by the Official Secretary to the Governor-General.
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