[5] Unlike an Australian state governor, the administrator is not the direct representative of the King in the Territory but is instead appointed by the King's federal representative in Australia, the governor-general, to administer the Territory in accordance with the Act.

The administrator formally appoints the chief minister of the Northern Territory and the members of the Cabinet after every election.

The Administrator gives royal assent to all bills passed by the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly.

Legislation regulating the sale of land in the Northern Territory which was given assent on 12 November 1863 included provision for both the appointment of a Government Resident and a description of the powers of this office.

Each territory was administered by a Government Resident located respectively in Alice Springs (then known as Stuart) and in Darwin.