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The '''Governor-General of Australia''' is a position established by the [[Constitution of Australia]], proclaimed on 1 January 1901, to exercise executive power in the Commonwealth of [[Australia]] as the representative of the [[monarch]] (currently [[Queen Elizabeth II]], Queen of Australia). As such, the Governor-General acts as Head of State in the absence of the monarch.  

The '''Governor-General of Australia''' is a position established by the [[Constitution of Australia]], proclaimed on 1 January 1901, to exercise executive power in the Commonwealth of [[Australia]] as the representative of the [[monarch]] (currently [[Queen Elizabeth II]], Queen of Australia). As such, the Governor-General acts as Head of State in the absence of the monarch, and the role is thus termed "vice-regal".  

Sections 2 and 61 of the Constitution formalise the position of the Governor-General. Several [[Letters Patent]] (dated 21 August 1984 and 15 May 2003) executed by the monarch further explain the powers and position of the Governor-General.

Sections 2 and 61 of the Constitution formalise the position of the Governor-General. Several [[Letters Patent]] (dated 21 August 1984 and 15 May 2003) executed by the monarch further explain the powers and position of the Governor-General.

==Appointment==

==Appointment==

The Governor-General is appointed by monarch on the advice of the [[Prime Minister of Australia]]. After receiving their Commission, the Governor-General makes an Oath of Allegiance and an Oath of Office to the monarch and issues a Proclamation assuming office.  

The Governor-General is appointed by the monarch on the advice of the [[Prime Minister of Australia]]. After receiving their Commission, the Governor-General makes an [[Oath of Allegiance]] and an [[Oath of Office]] to the monarch and issues a [[Proclamation]] assuming office.  

Formally, the Governor-General's appointment is at the monarch's pleasure. In practice, however, there is an expectation that appointments will be for five years, subject on occasion to some extension.  

Formally, the Governor-General's appointment is at the monarch's pleasure. In practice, however, there is an expectation that appointments will be for five years, subject on occasion to some extension.  

It is also contemplated that the Prime Minister may advise the monarch to appoint another Governor-General before the expiration of the incumbent's expected period of office, meaning that a Governor-General may be dismissed. (Dismissal has been actively contemplated by at least one Prime Minister, and on another occasion a Governor-General resigned before dismissal.)

It is also contemplated that the Prime Minister may advise the monarch to appoint another Governor-General before the expiration of the incumbent's expected period of office, meaning that a Governor-General may be dismissed. (Dismissal has been actively contemplated by at least one Prime Minister, and on another occasion a Governor-General resigned before dismissal.)