<Tr> <Td> <Ul> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> </Ul> </Td> </Tr> <Ul> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> </Ul> <P> The Governor - General of the Commonwealth of Australia is the representative in Australia of the Australian monarch, currently Queen Elizabeth II . The Governor - General is appointed by the Queen on the advice of the Prime Minister of Australia . The Governor - General has formal presidency over the Federal Executive Council and is Commander - in - Chief of the Australian Defence Force, as well as viceregal representative in the Australian Capital Territory . The functions of the Governor - General include appointing ministers, judges, and ambassadors; giving royal assent to legislation passed by Parliament; issuing writs for election; and bestowing Australian honours . </P> <P> In general, the Governor - General observes the conventions of the Westminster system and responsible government, maintaining a political neutrality, and has almost always acted only on the advice of the prime minister or other ministers or, in certain cases, the Parliament . The Governor - General also has a ceremonial role: hosting events at either of the two viceregal residences--Government House in the capital, Canberra, and Admiralty House in Sydney--and travelling throughout Australia to open conferences, attend services and commemorations, and generally provide encouragement to individuals and groups who are contributing to their communities . When travelling abroad, the Governor - General is seen as the representative of Australia, and of the Queen of Australia . The Governor - General is supported by a staff headed by the Official Secretary to the Governor - General . </P>

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