Constitution of Queensland


The Constitution of Queensland sets out and regulates the powers of the major state institutions of the Australian state of Queensland. It is a written constitution, with most provisions contained within the Constitution of Queensland 2001, which consolidated many previous constitutional laws. However, it does not contain all the constitutional principles of the state, with the Constitution Act 1867, Australia Act 1986 (Cth), Australian Constitution, the governor's commission, the common law and constitutional conventions also relevant constitutional documents.
These constitutional documents set down Queensland as a constitutional monarchy operating under the Westminster system, with a parliament composed of the Legislative Assembly and the King exercising legislative powers, an executive made up of ministers and the premier appointed to act on behalf of the governor, and a judiciary made up of the Supreme Court and other lower courts.
Following the Federation of Australia, the colony of Queensland became a state within the new Commonwealth of Australia and ceded certain powers to the Commonwealth Government. However, except where valid Commonwealth laws conflict with the laws of Queensland, the Parliament of Queensland retains plenary legislative power

Function

The Constitution defines the structure, powers and function of the three arms of government:
The constitution also defines the role of the governor. Under the constitution, governmental authority is nominally vested in the governor of Queensland on behalf of the Crown and who is appointed by the Monarch on the advice of the Premier of Queensland. The governor's role is mostly ceremonial, however they serve constitutional roles such as, presiding over meetings of the Executive Council, summoning, proroguing and dissolving Parliament on the advice of the Premier, giving Royal Assent to Bills passed by the Parliament, appointing all ministers of state, appointing and removing officials on the advice of the Executive Council, issuing writs for Queensland State Elections and for the election of Queensland representatives in the Australian Senate, on the advice of the Executive Council and granting pardons or commutations.

History

The current constitution is the Constitution of Queensland 2001. It is the state's second constitution, consolidating various constitutional provisions dating back to the 19th century, and in particular the state's first constitution, the Constitution Act 1867.

Entrenchment and amendments

The constitution contains entrenched provisions which can only be amended by way of referendum. It also contains provisions which may be amended by legislation.

General references

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