UNIT 3 P+L - POWER OF THE GOVERNOR GENERAL

who is the current gg and when elected

sam mostyn since july 2024

how is the gg appointed/term length/anything else

constitution;

• queen/monarch appoints

• no specific term length

convention:

• appointed under pms advice

• 5 year term

must do oath of alligiance and oath of office

salary is set by parliament and cannot be changed during term.

3 categories of gg roles (3 c’s)

• constitutional

• ceremonial

• community

constitutional roles (5)

• dissolving parliament and issuing writs for elections

• royal assent

• appointment of minsters and exco

• commander in chief of millitary

• appointment of judges

ceremonial roles (3)

• opening parliament

• swearing in ministers

• welcoming and hosting leaders from other countries

community roles (3)

• presenting awards

• attending functions

• citizenship ceremonies

2 executive constitutional powers of the GG

• s62 appointing exco

• s64 appointing ministers

2 legislative constitutional powers of the gg

• s58 royal assent

• s57 double dissalution

2 other constitutional powers of the GG

• s68 commander in chief of military

• s72 appointing judges

express powers

• powers ‘expressed’ on behalf of parliament

• GG does not have discretion despite constitution to exercise these powers

• responsible government convention that gg excersises them in accordance with ministerial advice

3 express powers of the GG

• royal assent

• commander in cheif of military

• appointing judges

what are reserve powers

• usually exercised on ministerial advice

• but, can be exercised without or contrary to advice

2 examples of valid reserve powers

• appointing ministers power: appointing PM in hung parliament eg gillard

• power to dismiss a pm if a motion of no confidence is passed

2 controversial examples of reserve powers

• dismissing the PM, because they were democratically elected and gg wasnt

• refusing request for double dissalution