Governors of New South Wales

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The Governor represents the Queen of Australia, Elizabeth II in the State of New South Wales and is appointed by the Sovereign on the Premier's recommendation.

The Governor is part of the Executive and Legislature of the State, but, almost always acts according to the advice given by the Government or Parliament. The Governor's role is varied ranging from constitutional activities to ceremonial and community events.

The Governor's Constitutional roles include:

Appointing the Premier and Ministry from the party with majority political support in the Legislative Assembly to form a Government (normally after an election);

Presiding over the Executive Council; - Determining dates of Parliamentary sessions and elections;

Assenting to Bills passed by Parliament, making them Laws;

Proclaiming Regulations made under Acts of Parliament;

Normally acts on the advice of Government but constitutional conventions do allow the Governor to take independent action under some circumstances.

The Governor's ceremonial role includes representing NSW at special occasions like ceremonies or visits by foreign Heads of State.

The Governor also acts as patron to many community organisations and charities; visits and supports worthwhile community activities; and presents awards and recognition to people for special service.

The current Governor of New South Wales is Professor Marie Bashir

Government House, Sydney

Image:NSW Government House.jpg

Government House, with its setting on Sydney Harbour, has a garden area of 5 hectares but adjoins the extensive Botanic Gardens beyond its fence and overlooks the Sydney Opera House to its north. It was designed in a romantic Gothic revival style – castellated, crenellated, turreted and bedecked with the coats of arms of its occupants over time. Additions have included a front portico in 1873, an eastern verandah in 1879 and extensions to the ballroom and Governor’s study in 1900-01. It has 12 rooms, mostly for official purposes, on the ground floor and 13 bedrooms on the second floor, plus many spaces designed for offices and services.

From 1845 until 1996 it served as the Governor’s residence, office and official reception space. However, since 1996 the Governor has not used it as a residence and the Governor’s Office has been relocated (see below). The House is now managed by the Historic Houses Trust and is open to the public although it remains the Governor's official reception space and is frequently used for Vice-Regal purposes. It is the base for a cultural program organised by the Ministry for the Arts and, with the approval of the Governor, is available for charitable and State Government functions.