The Governor-General is passionate about civics and democracy.  

She frequently uses her social media channels to explain her role, including some of the constitutional, ceremonial, Commander-in-Chief, and community duties she performs.

You can view the full suite of educational 'Inside Government House' videos on the Governor-General's youtube channel or encourage your parent/teacher/guardian to show you. Watch the Governor-General explain her role including some of the constitutional, ceremonial, Commander-in-Chief and community duties she performs. These educational 'Inside Government House' videos can be viewed on the Governor-General's youtube channel.

The role of Governor-General

The Governor-General of Australia is His Majesty The King’s representative and Australia’s Head of State. She performs a range of constitutional and ceremonial duties and are also the Commander-in-Chief of the Australian Defence Force. These duties are essential to Australia's modern democracy, however perhaps the most important role of the Governor-General is their work with the Australian community. Each year the Governor-General hosts or attends hundreds of events around the country and meets tens of thousands of Australians. She does this to celebrate the best of Australia and recognise the everyday Australians who, without fuss or fanfare, contribute to the lives of others and make Australia such a compassionate, harmonious and peaceful place. 

Constitutional duties

The Governor-General has specific constitutional and statutory powers. The Governor-General acts on the advice of Ministers who are responsible to Parliament and, through elections, the Australian people.

Key constitutional duties include:

• Presiding over the Federal Executive Council
• Facilitating the work of the Commonwealth Parliament and Government
• Dissolving Parliament and issuing writs for a Federal election
• Commissioning the Prime Minister; appointing Ministers and Assistant Ministers; and swearing-in other statutory positions
• Holding and possibly exercising the Reserve Powers.

Under the Australian Constitution, the only action performed by The King is the appointment of the Governor-General (on the advice of the Australian Prime Minister).

Ceremonial duties

The Governor-General is the Chancellor of the Order of Australia. Each year she announces honours and awards that celebrate the service and contribution of outstanding Australians, recognised through the Australian Honours System.

The Governor-General approves recommendations made to her by:

• The independent Council for the Order of Australia
• The independent Council for the Australian Bravery Decorations, and
• Organisations responsible for recommending meritorious, distinguished and conspicuous honours.

Her other ceremonial duties include:

• Hosting visiting Heads of State and other prominent visitors to Australia
• Receiving the credentials of newly appointed Ambassadors and High Commissioners to Australia
• Investiture ceremonies are held during the year for the Governor-General to present awards and honours to recipients. The State Governors and the Administrator of the Northern Territory perform similar functions.

Commander-in-Chief duties

The Governor General is the Commander-in-Chief of the Australian Defence Force.

The duties as Commander-in-Chief include:

• Through Federal Executive Council, appointing the Chief of Defence Force and Service Chiefs
• Commissioning officers in the Navy, Army and Air Force
• Presenting Colours, Banners and other Honours to military units and personnel
• Visiting military units to acknowledge the service of service personnel
• Leading Australia’s response, celebration and acknowledgement at commemorative events.

Community engagement

The Governor-General encourages, articulates and represents the things that unite Australia as a nation.

This includes:

• Visiting communities to encourage and acknowledge individuals and groups making a substantial contribution.
• Providing opportunities for the community to experience Government House and Admiralty House such as:
  • Welcoming up to 20,000 school students per year and many patronage organisations and their volunteers, and members 
  • Investiture weeks celebrating Australian honours and awards recipients 
  • Government House open days, garden tours, receptions and events
  • Condolence book signing during nationally significant moments, e.g., the passing of Her Majesty The Queen, or the recent Bondi Beach Terror Attack. 
• Response during moments of national significance, including participation in recovery activities in Australian communities who have experienced natural disasters, emergencies, or significant events. 
• Serving as Patron to national organisations that contribute to society
• Sending congratulatory messages to Australians celebrating significant milestones and messages of support.

Useful resources

Find out more about the Parliament of Australia. 

The Parliamentary Education Office (PEO) provides education, inspiring enthusiasm for Australia’s parliamentary democracy for citizens of all ages, located inside the Australian Parliament House.

The Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD) provides lots of civics information and engagement activities, located in Parkes Canberra.

The Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) is an independent statutory authority that works to inspire improvement in the learning of all young Australians through world-class curriculum, assessment and reporting. They recently released a report on digital literacy skills, related to civics and citizenship issues. 

Her Excellency is Patron of The Constitution Education Fund (CEFA) - a not-for-profit organisation engaging all Australians with the history and operation of the Australian Constitution and its contemporary relevance. The Australian Constitution Centre at the High Court offer an accompanying teaching and learning resource website. 

Media

26 March 2026 – ABC Education Media Literacy Summit 2026: Watch the Governor-General's address, speaking about her passion for the relationship between civics and media literacy for all Australians.

10 Nov 2025 – Watch the Governor-General and Professor Anne Twomey AO discuss The Dismissal 50 years on.

7 Nov 2025 – Read an article in The Australian 'I would not act in that way': Governor-General Sam Mostyn's verdict on John Kerr where she speaks about the Reserve Powers to Troy Bramston.