Lieutenant-governor (Australia)

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In Australia, a lieutenant-governor is a state official who acts as a deputy to the governor and steps in if the governor cannot perform duties. In most states the roles are separate, but in New South Wales the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court also serves as lieutenant-governor. Queensland restored the office in 2001.

When a governor dies, resigns, or is absent, an administrator or acting governor takes over. The lieutenant-governors and administrators don’t have regular powers; they are ready to act if needed. Some states also have a standing deputy governor who can exercise powers delegated by the governor.

New South Wales
- The Chief Justice has been the permanent lieutenant-governor since 1872; if the governor is incapacitated, the next senior judge becomes administrator.
- Current lieutenant-governor: Andrew Bell.

South Australia
- The lieutenant-governor is appointed by the governor and acts as the governor’s representative when the governor is away.
- The lieutenant-governor may act as administrator on the premier’s request if the governor is on extended leave or the office is vacant; if unavailable, the Chief Justice is next in line.
- Current lieutenant-governor: Richard Harris (an anaesthetist and cave diver).

Victoria
- There is a lieutenant-governor and an administrator. The Chief Justice is administrator unless the Chief Justice is the lieutenant-governor; if so, the next most senior judge is administrator.
- The lieutenant-governor takes on governor duties when the position is vacant or the governor is away or unable to act. Appointment is by the governor on the premier’s advice.
- Current lieutenant-governor: James Angus.

Commonwealth context
- There is no Lieutenant Governor-General in Australia, but several officials assist the Governor-General.
- The Vice-President of the Executive Council is automatically a Deputy to the Governor-General for certain duties; the Chief Justice of the High Court is Deputy to open Parliament.
- State governors usually hold dormant commissions to act as Administrator of the Commonwealth if the Governor-General dies, resigns, or is absent. The longest-serving available state governor often acts as Administrator.
- Examples: Sir Peter Cosgrove acted as Administrator in May 2023 when the Governor-General and all state governors were absent for the coronation; Victoria’s governor acted as Administrator during Elizabeth II’s funeral.

Historical note
- In the 19th century, lieutenant-governors sometimes served as deputies to the New South Wales governor in territories like Van Diemen’s Land (Tasmania), Victoria, and the Bay of Islands (New Zealand).