Page "Governor-General of Australia" Paragraph 67

Early Governors-General were British and were appointed by the King on the recommendation of the Colonial Office.

The Australian Government was merely asked, as a matter of courtesy, whether they approved of the choice or not.

Governors-General were expected to exercise a supervisory role over the Australian Government in the manner of a colonial Governor.

In a very real sense, they represented the British Government.

They had the right to " reserve " legislation passed by the Parliament of Australia: in other words, to ask the Colonial Office in London for an opinion before giving the Royal Assent.

This power was used several times.