ABSTRACT
Of all constitutional issues facing Australia, the identity of our Head of State is the least important from the perspective of the practical operation of the Constitution, and the least pressing of the reform measures recommended in this book. Nevertheless, attention needs to be paid to the issue because, even if Australia did not change the identity of the Head of State, there is a need for reform in relation to the status of the rules governing the exercise of the powers attaching to that office. However, if we did replace the Queen with an Australian Head of State, it would also be necessary to amend the Constitution to provide for matters such as the mechanics of choosing and dismissing such a person. Before addressing possible areas of reform, it is as well to give a brief overview of the current position and how the monarch, Governor-General and cabinet interact.
