• NauticalNoodle@lemmy.ml
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    2 days ago

    They apparently have the authority to fire all of Australia’s parliament. -If I understand correctly, Australia has also not had another government shutdown since, either.

    • HellsBelle@sh.itjust.works
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      2 days ago

      The UK monarchy have no such power under Australia’s Constitution.

      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 ultimately, 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).

      Source – https://www.gg.gov.au/about-governor-general/role-governor-general

      • AxExRx@lemmy.world
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        2 days ago

        So if he wanted to, rhe king could appoint a new governor general, choosing one who would disolve parliament?

        • NauticalNoodle@lemmy.ml
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          2 days ago

          That’s basically what happened. Except IIRC they wanted to give the queen plausible deniability so she wasn’t notified of the Governor-General’s actions till after the fact.