The Australian head of state dispute refers to ongoing debate as to who is considered to be the head of state of Australiathe Monarch, the Governor-General, or both. Head of state is a description used in official sources for the monarch. The Australian constitution does not mention the term "head of state". In discussion it has been used for describing the person who holds the highest rank among the officers of government. A number of writers, most notably Sir David Smith, have argued that the term is better used to describe the governor-general. The difference of opinion has mainly been discussed in the context of Australia becoming a republic, and was prominently debated in the lead-up to the republic referendum in 1999.