Governor-General of Papua New Guinea

Governor-General of Papua New Guinea
Gavena-Jeneral bilong Papua Niugini (Tok Pisin)
Incumbent
Sir Bob Dadae
since 28 February 2017
Viceroy
StyleHis Excellency Grand Chief
ResidenceGovernment House, Port Moresby
AppointerMonarch of Papua New Guinea
on the nomination by the National Parliament
Term lengthSix years, renewable once (at parliamentary discretion)
Constituting instrumentConstitution of Papua New Guinea
Formation16 September 1975
First holderJohn Guise

The governor-general of Papua New Guinea (Tok Pisin: Gavena-Jeneral bilong Papua Niugini) is the representative of the Papua New Guinean monarch, currently King Charles III, in Papua New Guinea. The governor-general is appointed by the monarch after their nomination by the National Parliament by vote. The functions of the governor-general include appointing ministers, judges, and ambassadors; and issuing writs for election.

In general, the governor-general observes the conventions of the Westminster system and responsible government, maintaining a political neutrality, and has to always act only on the advice of the prime minister. The governor-general also has a ceremonial role: hosting events at the official residence—Government House in the capital, Port Moresby—and bestowing Papua New Guinean honours to individuals and groups who are contributing to their communities. When travelling abroad, the governor-general is seen as the representative of Papua New Guinea and its monarch. The governor-general is supported by a staff headed by the official secretary to Government House

Governors-general are appointed for a six-year term of office. Since 28 February 2017, the governor-general has been Sir Bob Dadae.

The office of the governor-general was created on 16 September 1975, when Papua New Guinea gained independence from Australia as a sovereign state and an independent constitutional monarchy. Since then, 10 individuals have served as governor-general.