Lexi Webster
The Parliament of Western Australia is the bicameral legislature of the Australian state of Western Australia. It consists of two houses: the Legislative Council (the upper house) and the Legislative Assembly (the lower house). The Western Australian Legislative Council was created in 1832 as an appointed body, while the Legislative Assembly was established in 1890 when the then colony attained self-government. Today, the Legislative Council has 36 members, and the Legislative Assembly has 59.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of houses of parliament in Western Australia | 2 |
| Name of the houses | Legislative Council (upper house) and Legislative Assembly (lower house) |
| Number of members in the Legislative Council | 36 |
| Number of members in the Legislative Assembly | 59 |
| Term length for members of both houses | 4 years |
| Voting system for the Legislative Council | Proportional representation from multi-member constituencies |
| Voting system for the Legislative Assembly | Preferential voting from single-member electoral districts |
| Location of the Parliament | Parliament House, Perth, Western Australia |
| Year Western Australia gained self-government | 1890 |
| Year the Legislative Assembly was created | 1890 |
| Year the Legislative Council was created | 1832 |
| Year fixed four-year terms were introduced for Parliament | 2011 |
| Year of the inaugural election for the Australian Parliament | 1901 |
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What You'll Learn
Western Australia's legislative history
Western Australia has a bicameral legislature, which means it has two houses of parliament: the Legislative Council (the upper house) and the Legislative Assembly (the lower house). The two houses sit in Parliament House in Perth, the state capital.
The Western Australian Legislative Council was created in 1832 as an appointed body. In 1870, the colony was ruled by a governor and an advisory Legislative Council made up of appointed officials and elected members. The Western Australian Legislative Assembly was created in 1890 when the colony attained self-government. It was the first elected legislature in Western Australia and initially consisted of 30 members, all of whom were male landowners. Suffrage was extended to all adult males in 1893 (excluding Indigenous Australians), and women gained the right to vote in 1899.
In 2011, the government introduced fixed four-year terms for Parliament, with elections held every four years. The Legislative Council currently has 36 members, elected from multi-member constituencies by proportional representation. The Legislative Assembly has 59 members, elected from single-member electoral districts using the preferential voting system.
Most legislation in Western Australia is initiated in the Legislative Assembly. For a bill to become law, it must be passed by both houses of parliament and receive royal assent from the Governor. The party or coalition with a majority in the Legislative Assembly is invited to form a government, with the leader becoming the Premier of Western Australia.
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The two houses of parliament
The Parliament of Western Australia is the bicameral legislature of the Australian state of Western Australia, constituting the legislative branch of the state's political system. The parliament consists of two houses: the Legislative Council (the upper house) and the Legislative Assembly (the lower house). The two houses of parliament sit in Parliament House in the state capital, Perth.
The Western Australian Legislative Council, or upper house, was created in 1832 as an appointed body. In 1870, the colony was ruled by a governor and an advisory Legislative Council made up of appointed officials and elected members. Today, the Legislative Council has 36 members elected for four-year terms from multi-member constituencies by proportional representation.
The Western Australian Legislative Assembly, or lower house, is one of the two chambers of the Parliament of Western Australia. The Legislative Assembly has 59 members, elected for four-year terms from single-member electoral districts. Members are elected using the preferential voting system. Most legislation in Western Australia is initiated in the Legislative Assembly.
For a bill to become law, it must be passed by both the Legislative Council and the Legislative Assembly and receive royal assent from the Governor. While the Legislative Assembly is the starting point for most legislation, the upper house, or Legislative Council, plays a crucial role in reviewing and amending bills before they become law. This bicameral system provides a check and balance, ensuring that laws are thoroughly considered and debated before being enacted.
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The voting process
The Parliament of Western Australia is the bicameral legislature of the Australian state of Western Australia, consisting of two houses: the Legislative Council (the upper house) and the Legislative Assembly (the lower house). The two houses sit in Parliament House in Perth, the state capital.
Voting is compulsory for all Australian citizens over the age of 18, as well as eligible British citizens (i.e. those permanently resident and on the electoral roll prior to the Australia Act).
In 2021, changes were made to the Electoral Act 1907, resulting in a new voting system for the Legislative Council. The previous group voting ticket system and full preferential voting were replaced with optional preferential voting, giving electors more flexibility in their choices.
The Legislative Assembly uses a preferential voting system, where candidates must receive an absolute majority of total formal votes (over 50%) to be elected. Electors number the ballot paper in order of preference, and if no candidate receives an absolute majority of first preference votes, the candidate with the fewest votes is excluded, and their second preference votes are distributed to the remaining candidates. This process continues until one candidate achieves an absolute majority.
For a bill to become law, it must be passed by both houses of parliament and receive royal assent from the Governor. The party or coalition with a majority in the Legislative Assembly forms the government, and their leader becomes the Premier of Western Australia.
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The role of the governor
The Parliament of Western Australia is a bicameral legislature, consisting of two houses: the Legislative Council (the upper house) and the Legislative Assembly (the lower house). The two houses sit in Parliament House in the state capital, Perth. The Governor of Western Australia is the representative of the monarch, King Charles III, and performs constitutional, ceremonial, and community functions. The governor is appointed by the King on the advice of the Premier. The role of the governor is broad and includes responsibilities related to:
- Community engagement and promotion of the state's interests and capabilities: The governor engages with a diverse range of people and organisations, including international dignitaries, diplomats, and members of various sectors such as business, mining, agriculture, medicine, science, arts, and community service. Government House and its gardens are also used for the benefit of the community.
- Representing the people of Western Australia: The governor welcomes visiting Heads of State, royalty, ambassadors, and spiritual leaders.
- Officiating at ceremonial occasions: This includes Anzac Day ceremonies, military parades, and other special events of state and national significance. The governor also hosts investiture ceremonies at Government House to confer Western Australian awards and honours.
- Appointing key officials: The governor appoints the President of the Legislative Council, all State Government Ministers, and judges, magistrates, and justices of the peace.
- Facilitating the legislative process: Any bill passed by the Parliament of Western Australia requires the governor's signature before becoming law. Additionally, any vote, resolution, or bill that requires the spending of public money must be recommended for approval by the governor, who acts on the advice of the Premier.
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The location of parliament
The Parliament of Western Australia is the bicameral legislature of the Australian state of Western Australia, constituting the legislative branch of the state's political system. The parliament consists of the King (represented by the governor), the Legislative Council (the upper house), and the Legislative Assembly (the lower house). The two houses of parliament sit in Parliament House in the state capital, Perth.
The Western Australian Legislative Assembly, or lower house, is one of the two chambers of the Parliament of Western Australia. The Legislative Assembly has 59 members, elected for four-year terms from single-member electoral districts. Members are elected using the preferential voting system. As with all other Australian states and territories, voting is compulsory for all Australian citizens over the legal voting age of 18. Most legislation in Western Australia is initiated in the Legislative Assembly.
The Parliament of Western Australia is located in Parliament House in Perth, the state capital of Western Australia. The building serves as the meeting place for the two houses of parliament, providing separate chambers for their deliberations. Perth, situated on the Swan Coastal Plain along the western coast of Australia, is the largest city in Western Australia and serves as the economic, cultural, and political centre of the state.
The location of the Parliament House in Perth holds significant political and symbolic value. It stands as a representation of the state's legislative power and governance. The building's architecture and design may also carry meaning, reflecting the traditions and values of Western Australia. The Parliament House is likely to be strategically positioned within the city, considering factors such as accessibility, proximity to other government institutions, and the availability of space.
The choice of Perth as the seat of parliament for Western Australia reflects the city's prominence and influence within the state. As the state capital, Perth often serves as the epicentre of political activity, housing various governmental and administrative offices. Additionally, Perth's demographic composition, economic strength, and cultural significance may have contributed to its selection as the parliamentary location.
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Frequently asked questions
There are two houses of parliament in Western Australia.
The two houses of parliament in Western Australia are the Legislative Council (the upper house) and the Legislative Assembly (the lower house).
The two houses of parliament sit in Parliament House in Perth, the capital of Western Australia.
The Western Australian Legislative Assembly was created in 1890 when Western Australia attained self-government.
