Governor-General of Papua New Guinea facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Governor-General of Papua New Guinea
Flag of the governor-general
Emblem of Papua New Guinea
Incumbent Sir Bob Dadae since 28 February 2017
Viceroy
Style	His Excellency Grand Chief
Residence	Government House, Port Moresby
Appointer	Monarch of Papua New Guinea on the nomination by the National Parliament
Term length	Six years, renewable once (at parliamentary discretion)
Constituting instrument	Constitution of Papua New Guinea
Formation	16 September 1975
First holder	John Guise

The governor-general of Papua New Guinea (in Tok Pisin: Gavena-Jeneral bilong Papua Niugini) is a very important person in Papua New Guinea. This person represents the King of Papua New Guinea, who is currently King Charles III. The King lives far away, so the governor-general acts on his behalf in the country.

The National Parliament of Papua New Guinea chooses who will be the governor-general. Then, the King officially appoints them. The governor-general has many jobs. They appoint important people like government ministers, judges, and ambassadors. They also help start elections.

The governor-general follows a system called the Westminster system. This means they stay politically neutral and always act on the advice of the prime minister. They also have a special role in ceremonies. They host events at their official home, Government House, in the capital city, Port Moresby. They also give out special awards to people who do great things for their communities. When the governor-general travels to other countries, they represent Papua New Guinea and the King.

A team of staff helps the governor-general. Their term in office lasts for six years. Since February 28, 2017, Sir Bob Dadae has been the governor-general.

The job of governor-general started on September 16, 1975. This was when Papua New Guinea became an independent country from Australia. Since then, 10 different people have served in this role.

How is the Governor-General Chosen?

The governor-general of Papua New Guinea is chosen in a special way. Unlike many other countries that have a governor-general, Papua New Guinea's Parliament nominates the person. The prime minister does not choose them.

The Parliament votes by a simple majority in a secret ballot. The King of Papua New Guinea then officially appoints the person chosen by Parliament. This is written in the country's Constitution.

The governor-general serves for six years. If they want to serve a second term, two-thirds of the Parliament must agree. No one can serve more than two terms. All past governors-general have been given the title "Sir" (knighted).

If the governor-general's job becomes empty, for example, if they pass away, the Speaker of the National Parliament takes over temporarily. If the Speaker's job is also empty, then the Chief Justice steps in.

Can a Governor-General Be Removed?

Yes, the governor-general can be removed from office. This can happen if the National Executive Council decides it, or if most of the National Parliament votes for it.

So far, no governor-general has been officially removed. However, in 1991, Sir Vincent Serei Eri resigned. This happened after the Prime Minister, Sir Rabbie Namaliu, suggested to the Queen that he should be removed.

What Does the Governor-General Do?

Governor-General Sir Paulias Matane (right) hosting New Zealand Governor-General Sir Anand Satyanand at a State Dinner at Government House, 2009

Papua New Guinea is one of 14 countries that share the same King. Since the King lives mostly outside Papua New Guinea, the governor-general's main job is to do the King's duties. This means the governor-general carries out their tasks for the government of Papua New Guinea in the King's name.

The powers and roles of the governor-general come from the Constitution of Papua New Guinea.

Constitutional Duties

The governor-general has important duties related to the country's laws and government.

• They are responsible for ending a session of Parliament and starting new elections.
• After an election, the governor-general officially asks the leader of the winning political party to form a government.
• They formally appoint the prime minister and other ministers after the election.

The governor-general also acts on the advice of government ministers. They help to:

• Issue rules and announcements under existing laws.
• Appoint state judges, ambassadors to other countries, and other senior government officials.
• Start special investigations called Royal Commissions of Inquiry.
• Approve many other decisions made by ministers, like agreeing to treaties with foreign governments.

Sometimes, the governor-general can make decisions without or against the advice of ministers. These are called "reserve powers." They include:

• Appointing a prime minister if no party wins a clear majority in an election.
• Removing a prime minister who has lost the support of Parliament.
• Removing any minister who is breaking the law.
• Refusing a prime minister's request to end Parliament and call an election.

Ceremonial Duties

Governor-General Sir Michael Ogio with President Pranab Mukherjee of India at Government House, 2016

Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae receiving credentials from Erin Elizabeth McKee, US ambassador to Papua New Guinea, 2019

The governor-general also performs many important ceremonial duties.

• They open new sessions of Parliament.
• They welcome leaders from other countries who visit Papua New Guinea.
• They receive official papers from foreign diplomats.

As the Commander-in-Chief of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, the governor-general also:

• Attends military parades and special events like ANZAC Day.
• Presents special flags and symbols to units of the Defence Force and Police Force.

The governor-general also presents awards to people who have given great service to their community or shown bravery. These awards are part of the Papua New Guinea Honours system.

Community Role

Governor-General Sir Paulias Matane meeting the teams at a sport to raise awareness against HIV/AIDS in Papua New Guinea, 2005

The governor-general is a leader in the community who does not take sides in politics. They support many charities, sports groups, and cultural organizations. They attend events all over the country.

The governor-general also helps to bring Papua New Guineans together. In this role, they:

• Travel to different cities, towns, and villages across Papua New Guinea.
• Become a patron (supporter) of many national groups.
• Open and take part in conferences about important topics like education, health, and defense.
• Attend local events and encourage people who are helping their communities.
• Send congratulatory messages to Papua New Guineans who reach big milestones, like turning 100 or celebrating 50 years of marriage.

Special Privileges and Symbols

The governor-general is the head of the Orders of Papua New Guinea. This means they are given the title "Grand Chief" and are a Grand Companion of the Order of Logohu.

Symbols of Office

Flag of the governor-general of Papua New Guinea

The governor-general has their own special flag. It is blue and shows a lion and a crown, with "Papua New Guinea" written below. This flag is flown at buildings and places where the governor-general is present.

Official Home

Government House in Port Moresby, early 1900s, before Australia took control of British New Guinea and changed its name to Papua

Government House in Port Moresby is the official home of the governor-general of Papua New Guinea.

The place for Government House was chosen in 1885. The current building was built in 1913 by Sir Hubert Murray.

Who Has Been Governor-General?

Here is a list of the people who have served as Governor-General of Papua New Guinea since the country became independent in 1975.

Symbols

Died in office.

     Denotes Acting Governors-General

No.	Portrait	Name (Birth–Death)	Term of office			Monarch (Reign)
			Took office	Left office	Time in office
1		Sir John Guise (1914–1991)	16 September 1975	1 March 1977	1 year, 166 days	Elizabeth II (1975–2022)
2		Sir Tore Lokoloko (1930–2013)	1 March 1977	1 March 1983	6 years
3		Sir Kingsford Dibela (1932–2002)	1 March 1983	1 March 1989	6 years
4		Sir Ignatius Kilage (1941–1989)	1 March 1989	31 December 1989	305 days
–		Dennis Young (1936–2008)	31 December 1989	27 February 1990	58 days
5		Sir Vincent Eri (1936–1993)	27 February 1990	4 October 1991	1 year, 219 days
–		Dennis Young (1936–2008)	4 October 1991	18 November 1991	45 days
6		Sir Wiwa Korowi (born 1948)	18 November 1991	20 November 1997	6 years, 2 days
7		Sir Silas Atopare (1951–2021)	20 November 1997	20 November 2003	6 years
–		Bill Skate (1953–2006)	21 November 2003	28 May 2004	189 days
–		Jeffery Nape (1964–2016)	28 May 2004	29 June 2004	32 days
8		Sir Paulias Matane (1931–2021)	29 June 2004	13 December 2010	6 years, 167 days
–		Jeffery Nape (1964–2016)	13 December 2010	25 February 2011	74 days
9		Sir Michael Ogio (1942–2017)	25 February 2011	18 February 2017	5 years, 359 days
–		Theo Zurenuoc (born 1965)	18 February 2017	28 February 2017	10 days
10		Sir Bob Dadae (born 1961)	28 February 2017	Incumbent	8 years, 117 days
						Charles III (2022–present)

See also

In Spanish: Gobernador general de Papúa Nueva Guinea para niños

• List of colonial governors of Papua New Guinea#Papua New Guinea