Ministers are selected by the Prime Minister. Legislation currently allows for up to 30 Ministers. About 20 or so senior Ministers administer the major departments and are, usually, members of Cabinet. Other Ministers are responsible for particular areas of administration within a major department, or may be in charge of a small department. Ministers are appointed from both Houses of Parliament, although most about two thirds are Members of the House of Representatives.
Up to 12 Members and Senators are appointed by the Prime Minister as Parliamentary Secretaries also referred to as Assistant Ministers to assist or represent Ministers in their administrative responsibilities.
The role of the Governor-General. The Governor-General performs the ceremonial functions of head of state on behalf of the Queen. The Governor-General also has executive powers under many Acts of Parliament—for example, the power to proclaim legislation that is, bring it into effect and to make regulations and other kinds of delegated legislation that is, legislative powers that the Parliament has delegated to the Executive Government.
Most of the executive actions taken by the Governor-General are of this kind. In practice, except when reserve powers are involved—see below—these functions are exercised as advised by the Prime Minister and Ministers.
In some matters the Constitution gives the Governor-General powers to act independently. These include the power to dissolve the House of Representatives and, in certain situations, both Houses see Infosheet No.
However, in other than exceptional circumstances, the Governor-General will follow the advice of a Prime Minister who retains the confidence of the House.
Constitutional experts do not agree on their precise extent or on the nature of the exceptional circumstances in which they may be exercised. The Federal Executive Council. The Federal Executive Council is the constitutional mechanism for providing ministerial advice to the Governor-General. It is not a forum for policy debate or deliberation and its proceedings are entirely formal.
In practice the minimum number of Ministers or Parliamentary Secretaries that is, two in addition to the person presiding are rostered to attend. Meetings of the Council are presided over by the Governor-General or a deputy appointed by the Governor-General usually the Minister with the title Vice President of the Executive Council.
The matters dealt with at each meeting are recommendations by Ministers, for the approval of the Governor-General in Council, that something be done—for example, that a regulation be made, a treaty be ratified, or a person be appointed to a position.
The role of the Queen. Australia is a constitutional monarchy. A monarchy is a country where the position of head of state is inherited. A constitutional monarchy is one where the powers of the monarch or sovereign—the King or Queen—are limited by law or convention, and generally exercised only according to the advice of an elected government.
The head of state is a formal, symbolic and ceremonial position, as opposed to the position of head of government, which has the administrative power to govern the country. In some systems of government the head of state and head of government are the same person—for example, in the United States the President has both functions. Queen Elizabeth is also Queen of the United Kingdom and several other countries which used to be part of the former British Empire.
In Australia the powers of the Queen have been delegated by the Australian Constitution to her representative in Australia, the Governor-General.
The Constitution gives the Queen the power to disallow an Australian Act of Parliament, but this has never been done and it is extremely unlikely that it would ever be done. The Judiciary. The Constitution vests the judicial power of the Commonwealth—the power to interpret laws and to judge whether they apply in individual cases—in the High Court and other federal courts.
The High Court is established by the Constitution. More like this please, says the Australian Republican Movement, which was more than a little bit delighted that the pro monarchy prime minister was the one who sparked the interest. Republicans have always struggled to argue that on the one hand becoming a republic would be an important symbolic step that would cut the final apron strings to Britain while on the other emphasising nothing much would change.
Like the flag. Or the national anthem. Or still being able to thrash New Zealand in the Commonwealth Games. Make the change for largely sameness is a tricky slogan.
Diamonds celebrating their Commonwealth Games gold medal last year. As the recent marriage equality debate has reminded everyone - change doesn't come easily. And while changing the definition of marriage does not require constitutional change, becoming a republic does.
That is about the need to be represented and to feel like you could achieve any position in society. This is applicable to us within Australia. Benwell said he did not believe the interview would translate into support for the republican movement. People are happy with the way things are.
And that means living as good a life as any — no matter how we define it, no matter how much we fail. A republic means a new kind of life, a kind of life that suggests we can support each other on this continent. That means also recognising there will come a time when this idea is replaced by something else — informed as well by the spirit of deeper sovereignty who knows the truth of this country beyond government itself. The author of four books, Robert has held fellowships at the University of Pennsylvania and Columbia University.
Related Articles Australia is bearing the burden of too many Crowns The crucial role of poets in an Australian republic Becoming a republic will fix our broken system The Australian republic must enshrine rights for all An Australian republic must be founded on a non-violent society. Join the I A newsletter for regular updates on our latest news stories.
We need YOU! IA punches above its weight. Help us sharpen our knuckledusters. Donate Now. Close Subscribe Donate. Home Australia An Australian republic: Why it remains our best choice. Republic Opinion. By Robert Wood 20 September , pm comments.
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