What is the role of royal assent in Australia?

The role of royal assent in Australia is largely symbolic, as the Governor-General almost always grants assent to bills that have been passed by the Parliament of Australia. However, there have been a few instances in which the Governor-General has refused to grant assent, most notably in 1975 when the Governor-General dismissed the Whitlam government and appointed Malcolm Fraser as Prime Minister.

In theory, the Governor-General could refuse to grant assent to a bill if they believe that it is unconstitutional or if it would be contrary to the interests of the country. However, in practice, the Governor-General would only do so in very exceptional circumstances, as it would be seen as a major constitutional crisis.

The process of royal assent in Australia is as follows:

* Once a bill has been passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate, it is sent to the Governor-General for assent.

* The Governor-General has the power to either grant or withhold assent to a bill.

* If the Governor-General grants assent, the bill becomes law.

* If the Governor-General withholds assent, the bill is not able to become law.

In the vast majority of cases, the Governor-General grants assent to bills that have been passed by the Parliament. However, there have been a few instances in which the Governor-General has refused to grant assent, most notably in 1975 when the Governor-General dismissed the Whitlam government and appointed Malcolm Fraser as Prime Minister.

In theory, the Governor-General could refuse to grant assent to a bill if they believe that it is unconstitutional or if it would be contrary to the interests of the country. However, in practice, the Governor-General would only do so in very exceptional circumstances, as it would be seen as a major constitutional crisis.