This role mainly includes performing ceremonial functions, such as opening and dissolving parliament, appointing the cabinet and granting royal assent.

The governor's office and official residence is Government House next to the Royal Botanic Gardens and surrounded by Kings Domain in Melbourne.

The current governor of Victoria is Margaret Gardner, who succeeded Linda Dessau in August 2023.

Since the passage of the Australia Acts 1986, it is the governor and not the monarch who exercises all the powers of the head of state and the governor is not subject to the direction or supervision of the monarch but acts upon the advice of the premier.

The governor's main responsibilities fall into three categories – constitutional, ceremonial and community engagement.

Previously, the standard used by Victorian governors after 1870 had been the Union Jack with the Badge of the State of Victoria emblazoned in the centre.

The office also is in charge of maintaining Government House and its collections as a heritage and community asset of national importance.

Until the appointment of Victorian-born Sir Henry Winneke in 1974, the governors of Victoria were British.

[7] On Victoria obtaining responsible government in May 1855, the title of the then incumbent lieutenant-governor, Captain Sir Charles Hotham, became governor.

The current lieutenant-governor is James Angus, who was appointed to the role on 12 November 2021 to succeed Ken Lay.