Letter from Richard Alston the Australian
High Commission
Thank you very much for your letter of 21 October
regarding the inquiry into the use of the royal prerogative power
by Government to deploy the UK's armed forces.
The Constitution Committee has requested advice
on how Australia makes the decision to deploy its armed forces,
in particular the constitution checks and balances that are in
place and the respective roles of the executive and legislature.
The decision to commit the Australian Defence
Force to an armed conflict is a decision for the executive government.
The executive power of the Commonwealth is vested in the Queen
and is exercisable by the Governor-General (section 61 of the
Australian Constitution). However, by convention, the Governor-General
acts on the advice of government. As a matter of practice, Parliament
is informed of such decisions and a Parliamentary debate may well
ensue.
29 November 2005
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