Role of the Administrator

The role of the Administrator of the Northern Territory (NT) is essentially the same as state governors across Australia.

They represent the Crown in right of the NT.

Their role includes:

• statutory duties - eg. providing assent to proposed laws of the Legislative Assembly of the NT
• ceremonial duties - eg. officiating at important ceremonies, including the formal Opening of Parliament
• civic duties - eg. granting patronage to community not-for-profit organisations.

Under the Northern Territory (Self Government) Act 1978, their role is charged with the duty of administering the government of the NT.

Appointment

The Administrator is appointed by the Governor-General by Commission under the Seal of Australia in accordance with the provisions of the Northern Territory (Self-Government) Act 1978. The Administrator holds office during the pleasure of the Governor-General.

The Act is effectively the Northern Territory’s “constitution”. The Administrator is the representative of the Crown in right of the Northern Territory and, therefore, has the executive authority to administer the government of the Northern Territory of Australia.

Statutory duties

It is the duty of the Administrator to sign all Bills that have been passed by the Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory in order to make them part of the law of the Northern Territory. The Administrator regularly presides over a meeting of the Executive Council (comprising the Chief Minister and Ministers). The Administrator has a duty to ensure that the processes of the Executive Council are conducted lawfully and regularly, and accordingly may ask questions and seek further information from Ministers.

The Administrator has other statutory powers, including the power to:

• Dissolve the Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory and issue writs for a general election
• Appoint Ministers of the Northern Territory Government
• Issue regulations and proclamations under existing laws
• Appoint judges and senior public servants on the advice of the Executive Council
• Exercise the Prerogative of Mercy.

The Administrator of the Northern Territory acts on the advice of their Ministers and has the constitutional right to be consulted, to encourage and to warn. These rights are significant and are related to the advice given by their Ministers, the Administrator is not obliged by convention to follow the advice of others. The Administrator does not participate in politics or public policy matters.

Ceremonial duties

The Administrator officiates and represents Territorians at a range of significant ceremonial occasions, celebrations and commemorations, including the formal Opening of Parliament; representation at military parades, special occasions of Territory and national significance such as Australia Day and ANZAC Day activities; and the opening of major conferences or substantial new buildings and facilities.

The Administrator also receives and hosts Ambassadors, High Commissioners, Heads of State and other notable visitors to the Northern Territory. The Administrator, as the Northern Territory’s highest office holder, may represent the Northern Territory overseas, including at significant occasions, celebrations and commemorations in this capacity.

The Administrator conducts investitures for recipients of Australian Honours and Awards (bestowed on people for their service to the community, or for bravery).

Civic duties

A special and important role of the Administrator is to engage with the community and emphasise issues that promote community cohesion and progression of the Northern Territory. The Administrator is seen as a symbol of unity, who represents all Territorians and nurtures what it is to be a Territorian. Through an extensive community engagement and travel programme, the Administrator recognises and promotes Territory innovation, industry, voluntary service, education, artistic endeavours and sporting achievement.

The Administrator achieves this by:

• Recognising and valuing Territorians who serve the community.
• Encouraging and acknowledging the achievements of individuals and organisations, including officiating at or attending award ceremonies.
• Fostering the work of community groups.
• Visiting numerous organisations.
• Travelling overseas, interstate, regionally and to remote parts of the Northern Territory.
• Granting of patronage to many community not-for-profit organisations.