AussiePOD: Aussie Picture Of the Day

The Commonwealth of Australia is a constitutional monarchy: Queen Elizabeth II is the Queen of Australia, a role distinct and separate from her position as Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, and she is generally considered to be the head of state, although that term is found nowhere in the Constitution. The Queen is nominally represented by the Governor-General; in practice virtually the entire constitutional role of a monarch is performed independently by the Governor-General. Although the Constitution theoretically gives extensive executive power to the Governor-General, these powers are seldom used directly, and by convention, are exercised only on advice from the Prime Minister. (The current Prime Minister is John Howard, shown on the right.)

In 1999 a referendum was held on the question of constitutional change to a republic, with an appointed President replacing the Queen as head of state, but this was rejected.