The Queen will formally open the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Perth on Friday morning.
Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard will chair the meeting over the next three days.
Agenda items include recommendations from an Eminent Persons' Group, a nine-person panel charged with making recommendations to reform the Commonwealth.
The panel has suggested the Commonwealth set up a charter of principles and have a commissioner for democracy and human rights.
But the ABC reports the recommendations have received scant support, with only six or so of the 54 members favouring the idea of a commissioner.
However some members have pressed for serious reform.
British foreign secretary William Hague warns the organisation needs change, otherwise it will lose relevancy.
''The case for reinvigorating the Commonwealth is abundantly clear," he said.
''The modern Commonwealth has always been an association based on strong values.
''We also support recommendations to institute a Commonwealth commissioner for democracy, rule of law and human rights. This is a controversial recommendation.''
