Evolving Interpretations of the Office of Australian Governor-General as a Constitutional Link to the British Empire, 1890–1931

Abstract

The framing and interpretation of the provisions in the Australian Constitution which established the office of Governor-General only make sense when fully situated within an imperial context. The Australian Constitution was drafted by British colonists loyal to the Crown who prized an ongoing connection with Britain. Interpretation of the constitutional office of Governor-General and its conventions was therefore sensitive to evolving relations between Australia and the other Dominions with Britain. Significant change followed the reworking of status in the Balfour Report at the 1926 Imperial Conference which saw the controversial appointment of the first Australian to the office of Governor-General.