Lexi Webster
Western Australia has a long history of political diversity, with several parties vying for power over the years. The main parties are the governing Labor Party and the two opposition parties, the National Party and the Liberal Party. The Liberal Party has held power in Western Australia for five separate periods in coalition with the National Party, with the longest period between 1959 and 1971. However, in recent years, the Labor Party has gained significant support, winning a majority of seats in the 2021 state election. The Liberal Party has faced challenges, including a mixed response to environmental issues and a defeat in the 2021 election, but remains a significant force in Western Australian politics.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Current government | Labor Party |
| Current premier | Roger Cook |
| Current leader of the opposition | Basil Zempilas |
| Current deputy leader of the opposition | Libby Mettam |
| Number of seats won by Labor in the 2021 election | 53 out of 59 |
| Number of seats won by Liberals in the 2021 election | 2 |
| Number of seats won by Nationals in the 2021 election | 4 |
| Number of seats won by Labor in the 2017 election | 41 out of 59 |
| Number of seats won by Liberals in the 2017 election | 13 |
| Number of seats won by Labor in the 2018 by-elections | 40 |
| Number of seats won by Liberals in the 2018 by-elections | 19 |
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What You'll Learn
Western Australia's political system
The Labor Party currently governs Western Australia, with the National Party and the Liberal Party forming the opposition. Historically, the Liberal Party has held power in the state for five separate periods, mostly in coalition with the National Party. The Liberal Party was the sole opposition from 2017 until the 2021 election, after which it formed an alliance with the National Party.
The Western Australian Legislative Assembly, or the lower house, consists of 59 members of parliament, each representing a single electoral district. The Legislative Assembly operates on fixed four-year terms, and members are elected using a preferential voting system. The leader of the party with a majority in the Legislative Assembly is appointed as the Premier of Western Australia by the Governor. The Premier leads the executive branch of the state government and is accountable to the Parliament of Western Australia.
The Western Australian Legislative Council, or the upper house, has 36 members representing six electoral regions. Members of the Legislative Council are elected using a proportional voting system. General elections are held every four years, during which the entire Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council are elected.
Western Australia's political history includes several notable figures, such as John Forrest, the state's first premier, and Edith Cowan, the first Australian woman to serve as a member of parliament. The state has also witnessed significant swings towards the Labor Party, contributing to the election of Anthony Albanese as prime minister in 2022.
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The Liberal Party's history in WA
The Western Australian Liberal Party, officially known as the Liberal Party of Australia (Western Australian Division), is the Western Australian division of the Liberal Party of Australia. The Western Australian Liberal Party was founded in March 1949 as the Liberal and Country League of Western Australia (LCL). The LCL was formed by local branches of the Liberal Party and the Country Party (CDL) in Beverley, in opposition to the merger decisions of their parent parties.
In May 1949, the Liberal Party dissolved itself and merged into the LCL, with the hope of uniting "all anti-socialist forces in Western Australia". The LCL won a net 6 seats from Labor in the December 1949 federal election, with the coalition holding 25 of 50 seats. The coalition formed a majority government with the support of Independent Bill Grayden, who joined the LCL in 1960.
In 1968, the LCL renamed itself the Liberal Party of Australia (Western Australian Division), bringing it in line with other Australian states. The party has held power in Western Australia for five separate periods in coalition with the National Party (previously the Country Party), with the longest period between 1959 and 1971. During this time, Western Australia became a world leader in resource development, with the Ord River irrigation scheme taking shape.
The Liberal Party of Australia (Western Australian Division) was defeated in the 1970s by the Labor Party, and did not regain government until 1993, under the leadership of Richard Court. The party was again defeated in the 2001 election, but remained a strong opposition force, holding its ground in the 2005 election. In 2008, the Liberal-led government rebuilt Western Australia's public health system and made significant expansions to public services to cater to a growing population.
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Labor Party's dominance in WA
The Labor Party has dominated Western Australian politics since its thumping election win in 2021, with Roger Cook appointed as Premier. The Labor Party's victory extended to both houses of parliament, giving them a level of political dominance never seen before in Western Australia. This dominance was further reinforced in the 2025 election, where Labor retained its control in Western Australia, picking up an extra seat from the Liberals.
The Labor Party's success in Western Australia can be attributed to various factors, including the state's economic fortunes, which have been favourable due to a strong iron ore price and demand from China. This has resulted in significant budget surpluses, providing the government with greater financial flexibility. Additionally, the Labor government has been proactive in developing the state's resources sector and promoting pro-development policies, which have contributed to economic growth.
However, the Labor government has also faced criticism in certain areas, such as their handling of juvenile crime and their approach to environmental issues. Despite these concerns, the Labor Party has maintained its strong support in Western Australia, with Anthony Albanese, the Prime Minister of Australia, visiting the state multiple times during the election campaign.
The Liberal Party, on the other hand, has experienced a decline in Western Australia. They lost eleven seats in the 2021 election, resulting in them losing their opposition status to the National Party. The Liberals have struggled to regain their foothold, and their warnings about the threat of Labor's dominance have not resonated with voters. The party faces the challenge of remaining relevant to the Australian population and effectively addressing the concerns of their voters.
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The National Party's role in WA
The National Party of Australia (WA), also known as The Nationals Western Australia, has played a significant role in the politics of Western Australia. The party has a long history in the state, dating back to the early 20th century.
The party's origins can be traced back to the Country Party of Western Australia, which was formed in the early 1910s. This party was influenced by Labor's political structure and saw itself as a balance of power capable of bargaining for concessions from the government. In the 1920s, the Country Party split into rival factions, the Ministerial Country Party (MCP) and the Executive Country Party (ECP). The ECP was loyal to the Primary Producers' Association, which the Country Party was intended to represent in Parliament. After the 1924 election, the Ministerial arm merged with the Nationalist Party.
Over the years, the party has undergone several name changes and alliances. In 1974, the party entered into a short-lived political alliance with the Democratic Labor Party, called the National Alliance. After leaving this coalition, the party changed its name to the National Country Party of Western Australia. On April 1, 1985, it became the National Party of Western Australia, formally affiliated with the National Party of Australia.
The Nationals provide a considered and common-sense perspective on government policy, aiming to balance Australia's political extremes. In Western Australia, the Nationals have often been a part of the state government, even when the Liberals have had enough support to govern alone. For example, after the Liberals won a majority in the election, Premier Barnett kept the Nationals in his cabinet. According to ABC election analyst Antony Green, the rural overweighting in the Legislative Council means that a Liberal premier needs National support to govern.
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Minor parties in Western Australia
Western Australia's political landscape is dominated by the Labor Party, the Liberal Party, and the National Party. However, several minor parties also play a role in the state's politics. Western Australia has a bicameral parliamentary system, with the lower house, known as the Legislative Assembly, and the upper house, the Legislative Council. Minor parties in Western Australia include:
- The Greens: This left-wing party advocates for environmental protection and social justice. While they have not held balance-of-power in Western Australia, they have influenced policy-making through their presence in the Legislative Council.
- Western Australia Party: This party focuses on issues specific to the state, such as regional development and local governance.
- Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party: Representing the interests of regional communities, this party advocates for gun ownership rights and agricultural industries.
- Liberal Democratic Party: Emphasizing individual freedom and free-market economics, the LDP seeks to reduce government intervention in people's lives.
- Legalise Cannabis WA Party: A single-issue party focused on legalizing and regulating cannabis for recreational use.
- Pauline Hanson's One Nation: Founded by controversial politician Pauline Hanson, this right-wing populist party has a nationalist and conservative agenda.
- Australian Christians: This minor party promotes Christian values and social conservatism.
Other registered minor parties in Western Australia include the Animal Justice Party, the Democratic Labour Party, and the Sustainable Australia Party – Anti-corruption. The state's political landscape is diverse, with these minor parties contributing to the debate and, at times, holding influential roles in the Legislative Council.
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Frequently asked questions
The Labor Party is currently in government in Western Australia.
The National Party is the main opposition party, with the Liberal Party as the junior party in the alliance.
Labor won 53 out of 59 seats in the Assembly, with the Liberals winning only two.
Roger Cook is the current premier of Western Australia.
General elections are held every four years, with the next state election scheduled for March 2025.
