THE DISCRETIONARY AUTHORITY OF DOMINION GOVERNORS

Abstract

In this article the author examines the question of the existence and extent of the discretionary authority of the Dominion Governors where a dissolution of Parliament is sought by Ministers who have sustained, or are about to sustain, a defeat in the popular Chamber. First, the author discusses the important Commonwealth precedents governing the dissolution of the House of Representatives. He then pays particular attention to the case of the “double dissolution” and he refutes the argument that the Governor-General is bound to dissolve whenever the Prime Minister advises it. In concluding his article the author then offers four supplementary points, reinforcing his argument that the Governor-General possesses a discretionary power in relation to requests for dissolution.