APPOINTMENT OF HER EXCELLENCY
THE HONOURABLE JEANNETTE YOUNG AC PSM
AS DEPUTY OF THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL
I, SAM MOSTYN AC, Governor‑General of the Commonwealth of Australia, hereby appoint JEANNETTE YOUNG AC PSM, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF QUEENSLAND, to be my deputy within any part of the Commonwealth.
In her capacity as my deputy, and upon receipt of a request from me and in accordance with the terms of that request, JEANNETTE YOUNG is authorised to exercise the following powers and perform the following functions of the Governor‑General:
- To make recommendations with respect to the appropriation of revenue or moneys by message to a House of the Parliament and to communicate other matters to a House of the Parliament;
- When a proposed law passed by both Houses of the Parliament is presented for The King’s assent –
- to declare, according to her discretion, but subject to the Constitution, that she assents in The King’s name, or that she withholds assent or that she reserves the law for The King’s pleasure; or
- except in the case of a proposed law to alter the Constitution, to return the proposed law to the House in which it originated and to transmit therewith any amendments which she may recommend;
- To make, sign or issue any proclamation, order, regulation, ordinance, appointment, instrument, or document in accordance with the advice of the Federal Executive Council;
- To administer such oaths or affirmations as may be necessary to be taken or made by any person in respect of his or her having been chosen or summoned to be a member of the Federal Executive Council or appointed to administer a Department of State;
- To grant to convicted offenders pardons and to remit fines, penalties (including sentences) and forfeitures;
- In accordance with section 8A of the Removal of Prisoners (Territories) Act 1923, to grant to a person a licence to be at large or to vary or revoke a licence granted to a person under that Act;
- To sign any correspondence with which it is necessary to deal urgently.
Dated 6 August 2024
[SIGNED]
Sam Mostyn AC
Governor‑General
By Her Excellency’s Command
[SIGNED]
Anthony Albanese
Prime Minister
Overview
The "Appointment of Her Excellency The Honourable Jeannette Young AC PSM Deputy of the Governor-General" Act, enacted in 2024, addresses the need for a capable deputy to the Governor-General of Australia, ensuring continuity and effective governance in the absence of the Governor-General. This legislative instrument was enacted by the Governor-General, Sam Mostyn AC, under the authority vested in him by the Australian Constitution, to appoint Jeannette Young, the Governor of the State of Queensland, as his deputy. The policy objective is to provide a seamless transition of authority and to uphold the constitutional functions of the Governor-General when necessary. By empowering Jeannette Young to exercise specific powers and perform critical functions, the Act ensures that the administration of the Commonwealth can continue smoothly, particularly in matters related to parliamentary processes, legal assent, executive orders, and urgent communications.
Scope and Application
The appointment of The Honourable Jeannette Young AC PSM as the Deputy of the Governor-General under C2024G00554 (Gazette) delineates her role as a representative of the Governor-General across the Commonwealth of Australia. As the Governor of Queensland, she is entrusted with exercising specific powers and performing certain functions as directed by the Governor-General, particularly in the legislative and administrative realms. This includes making recommendations on appropriation of revenue, communicating with the Houses of Parliament, granting assent to proposed laws, issuing proclamations, administering oaths, and granting pardons and remitting penalties. These powers are exercised in accordance with the Constitution and the advice of the Federal Executive Council. The scope of her appointment is nationwide, applying to any part of the Commonwealth of Australia, and extends to all the responsibilities and duties listed within the terms of the Gazette. The appointment does not explicitly state exclusions or exemptions, but it is contingent upon the receipt of a request from the Governor-General and conducted in alignment with the advice and directives received. Subordinate instruments may further define the extent and conditions of these powers and functions, but the primary authority and reach are established within this legislative instrument.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of the legislation (C2024G00554) detail the appointment of Jeannette Young as the Deputy of the Governor-General, Sam Mostyn. As per section 1, Jeannette Young is appointed to act on behalf of the Governor-General within the Commonwealth of Australia. Section 2 outlines the specific powers and functions she is authorised to exercise, which include making recommendations about revenue appropriation and communicating with the Parliament, assenting to or withholding assent on laws, issuing proclamations and documents, administering oaths, granting pardons and remitting fines or penalties, and managing licences under the Removal of Prisoners (Territories) Act 1923.
The obligations and requirements imposed by this Act are primarily on Jeannette Young, who, in her capacity as the Deputy Governor-General, must adhere to the terms of her appointment and the advice of the Federal Executive Council. She must exercise her powers judiciously and in accordance with the Constitution. Additionally, she is required to perform her functions with due diligence, ensuring that any actions taken, such as granting pardons or issuing documents, align with the legal framework and advice provided by relevant authorities.
Breaching the terms of this appointment or misusing the powers granted could lead to significant consequences. While specific offences and penalties are not detailed within the text, it can be inferred that any misuse of power or failure to act in accordance with the law could result in legal repercussions, both civil and criminal. Such actions might include legal challenges, removal from office, or other disciplinary measures as deemed appropriate by the relevant authorities, depending on the nature and severity of the breach.