<P> The Australian head of state dispute refers to ongoing debate as to who is considered to be the head of state of Australia--the Monarch or the Governor - General . Head of state is a description used in official sources for the monarch . The Australian constitution does not mention the term head of state . In discussion it has been used for describing the person who holds the highest rank among the officers of government . A number of writers, most notably David Smith, have argued that the term is better used to describe the governor - general . Some others and some publications in Australia have also referred to the governor - general as the head of state . </P> <P> The difference of opinion has mainly been discussed in the context of Australia becoming a republic, and was prominently debated in the lead - up to the republic referendum in 1999 . </P>

Who represents the head of state in australia
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