The Governor is the formal head of state appointed by His Majesty the King as his representative in New South Wales.

The Governor has a range of constitutional, ceremonial and community roles. In relation to Parliament, the Governor’s constitutional roles include appointing the Premier and Ministry to form Government, determining parliamentary sessions and elections, opening a new parliament and giving assent to bills passed by Parliament making them law.  Most actions of the Governor are made on the advice of the Executive Council.