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Australia’s Head Of State
The Australian Constitution does not mention the title "Head of State." However, all of the powers, duties and responsibilities of the Sovereign are Constitutionally discharged by the Governor-General and the Governors of each of the States of the Commonwealth of Australia.
If we were to use the term, "Australian Head of State," then we would have to acknowledge that the Governor-General in council is the one who best answers to the substance of the title.
It is false to say that we have a foreign Head of State. His Majesty King Charles III is the Sovereign, and reigning Monarch of Australia, but the responsibilities of the Monarch are exclusively fulfilled by the serving Governor-General in council, and the Governors of the day.
The Monarch’s reserve powers are exercisable by the Governor-General. These reserve powers are not defined, but are not evoked unless there is a critical need. On each occasion that the reserve powers have been tested, in Australia, the nation has been pulled back from the brink of disaster.
Articles on Australia’s Head of State
- The International Crown - A speech by George Bougias ACM
- Why The Governor-General is Australia's Head of State
- Republic? More power for politicians (A booklet as 11 Web Pages)
- Conference Address
- Our Australian Head of State (Text as Web Page)
- The role of the Governor-General and State Governors
- Australia Day 1999
- Winning 2001 Essays