Who Can Send Australia to War?

Under the Australian Constitution, former royal prerogatives—including the power to make war, deploy troops and declare peace—are part of the executive power of the Commonwealth. Executive power is recognised in section 61 of the Constitution.

Can the governor-general of Australia declare war?

Declarations of 'time of war'

Under section 4 of the Defence Act 1903, by definition, the Governor-General may proclaim a time of war.

Can the prime minister declare war?

Constitutional convention requires that the declaration of war or commitment of British armed forces is authorised by the Prime Minister on behalf of the Crown. Parliament has no official constitutional role in the process.