Governor-General of Papua New Guinea
The governor-general of Papua New Guinea (Tok Pisin: Gavena-Jeneral bilong Papua Niugini) is the representative of the Papua New Guinean monarch, currently King Charles III, in Papua New Guinea. The governor-general is appointed by the monarch after their nomination by the National Parliament by vote. The functions of the governor-general include appointing ministers, judges, and ambassadors; and issuing writs for election.
Governor-General of Papua New Guinea
Government House, Port Moresby
Monarch of Papua New Guinea
on the nomination by the National Parliament
Six years, renewable once (at parliamentary discretion)
16 September 1975
In general, the governor-general observes the conventions of the Westminster system and responsible government, maintaining a political neutrality, and has to always act only on the advice of the prime minister. The governor-general also has a ceremonial role: hosting events at the official residence—Government House in the capital, Port Moresby—and bestowing Papua New Guinean honours to individuals and groups who are contributing to their communities. When travelling abroad, the governor-general is seen as the representative of Papua New Guinea and its monarch. The governor-general is supported by a staff headed by the official secretary to the governor-general.
Governors-general are appointed for a six-year term of office. Since 28 February 2017, the governor-general has been Sir Bob Dadae.
The office of the governor-general was created on 16 September 1975, when Papua New Guinea gained independence from Australia as a sovereign state and an independent constitutional monarchy. Since then, 10 individuals have served as governor-general.
Appointment[edit]
Unlike the governor-generals of most other Commonwealth realms, the governor-general of Papua New Guinea is nominated by the country's Parliament,[1] rather than being proposed by its prime minister. The appointment is made by the monarch of Papua New Guinea following a simple majority vote of the National Parliament. Section 88(1) of the constitution provides that the monarch must act "in accordance with the advice of the National Executive Council given in accordance with a decision of the Parliament", while section 88(2) provides that the nomination for governor-general must be "made by a simple majority vote, in an exhaustive secret ballot conducted in accordance with an Organic Law."[2]
The term in office is six years.[3]
To be appointed for a second term, the governor-general must be supported by a two-thirds majority in the National Parliament.[4] No person may serve for more than two terms.[4] Thus far all retired governors-general have been knighted.[5]
If the office of governor-general becomes vacant, due to death or dismissal, the speaker of the National Parliament of Papua New Guinea becomes acting governor-general until a new appointment is made. If the speakership is vacant, the chief justice instead assumes the role.[6]
Dismissal[edit]
The governor-general may be dismissed by either a decision of the National Executive Council or an absolute majority of the National Parliament.[7]
No governor-general has been dismissed from office, although in 1991, Sir Vincent Serei Eri resigned from office after Prime Minister Sir Rabbie Namaliu advised the Queen to dismiss him.[8]