Premier of Western Australia

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Premier of Western Australia
Coat of arms of Western Australia.svg
Western Australian Coat of Arms
Flag of Western Australia.svg
Flag of Western Australia
Mark McGowan headshot.jpg
Incumbent
Mark McGowan
since 17 March 2017
Department of the Premier and Cabinet
Style
StatusHead of Government
Member of
Reports toParliament
SeatDumas House, Perth
AppointerGovernor of Western Australia
by convention, based on appointee's ability to command confidence in the Legislative Assembly
Term lengthAt the Governor's pleasure
contingent on the premier's ability to command confidence in the lower house of Parliament
Constituting instrumentNone (constitutional convention)
Formation29 December 1890
First holderJohn Forrest
DeputyDeputy Premier of Western Australia
SalaryA$355,681[1][2]
Websitewww.premier.wa.gov.au

The premier of Western Australia is the head of government of the state of Western Australia.[3] The role of premier at a state level is similar to the role of the prime minister of Australia at a federal level. The premier leads the executive branch of the Government of Western Australia and is accountable to the Parliament of Western Australia. The premier is appointed by the governor of Western Australia. By convention, the governor appoints as premier whoever has the support of the majority of the Western Australian Legislative Assembly. In practice, this means that the premier is the leader of the political party or group of parties with a majority of seats in the Legislative Assembly (lower house). Since Western Australia achieved self-governance in 1890, there have been 31 premiers.[3] Mark McGowan is the current premier, having been appointed to the position on 17 March 2017.

History

The position of premier is not mentioned in the constitution of Western Australia. From 1890 to 1917, the premier was not an official position, rather, it was the title unofficially given, but widely used to refer, to the head of the government.[3][4] When Western Australia became a self-governing colony in 1890, Governor William Robinson initially indicated he would use the title prime minister to refer to the head of the government. However, after he selected John Forrest, the title premier was used for consistency with the other Australian colonies.[3][5] The position was first officially mentioned when the governor appointed Henry Lefroy as premier on 28 June 1917. However, when the governor designated and declared the six executive offices of the government on 2 July 1917, the position of premier was not listed, creating an ambiguity.[3][4][6] It was not until 3 April 1947 that the premier became one of the executive offices of the government.[3][4][7]

The most common cause for a change of premier is an election. Since the 1990s, elections have occurred roughly every four years. Before then, elections were at most three years apart, except for during World War II. A less common cause for a change of premier is the ruling party changing its leader. This can occur as a result of a resignation, death or leadership spill. In this case, the new premier is whoever the party elects as its new leader. Another cause for a change of premier is a loss of majority support in the legislative assembly. This commonly occurred in the first three decades of self-governance, but has not occurred since 1916. If this occurs, the premier must either resign or be dismissed by the governor.[8]

Powers and function

The powers of the premier are set out by convention and by legislation. By convention, the premier advises the Monarch of Australia as to who to appoint as governor. The premier advises the governor as to who to appoint to cabinet and which portfolios should be given to each cabinet minister, and the governor follows this advice by convention. The premier sets out the responsibilities of ministers and the acts that they would administer. The premier leads the cabinet and chairs cabinet meetings. They communicate with the governor, the cabinet, the state government, other state and territory governments, the federal government, and overseas governments. The premier advises the governor on when state elections should be held. They oversee the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. Whilst premier, they stay as a member of parliament, and they retain their responsibility for representing their electorate.[3]

Characteristics

As of 2022, there have been 31 premiers of Western Australia. Carmen Lawrence, who was appointed on 12 February 1990, is the first and only woman to be premier of Western Australia. She is also the first woman to be premier of an Australian state.[3][9] By convention, the premier is a member of the Legislative Assembly. However, the premier can be a member of either house of parliament. Hal Colebatch is the only premier to be a member of the Legislative Council (upper house). He served for 30 days in 1919, making him the shortest serving premier of Western Australia.[3][10] David Brand is the longest serving premier, serving for 11 years and 335 days between 1959 and 1971.[3][11] The youngest premier is John Scaddan, who was 35 years, 2 months and 3 days old when he was sworn in in 1911.[3][12] The oldest premier is John Tonkin, who was 69 years, 1 month and 1 day old when he was sworn in in 1971.[3][13] Newton Moore became premier after two years in parliament, the least time aside from John Forrest. John Tonkin became premier after almost 38 years in parliament, the most time in parliament before becoming premier.[14] The only father and son pair to have both been premier is Charles Court and his son Richard Court. George Leake, who died of pneumonia on 24 June 1902, is the only premier to have died in office.[3][14] Newton Moore, Philip Collier, John Willcock and Geoff Gallop are the only premiers to have resigned due to ill health.[10][15] The only premier to subsequently serve as governor is James Mitchell.[3]

Two former premiers have been sentenced to jail. In 1994, Brian Burke was sentenced to two years in jail for defrauding the state by $17,000 by making false claims on the parliamentary imprest account.[16] He was released on parole after serving seven months.[17] In 1995, Ray O'Connor was sentenced to six months in jail for stealing a $25,000 cheque from the Bond Corporation during his time as premier.[18] In 1997, Burke was sentenced to three years jail for stealing $122,585 in Labor Party campaign donations. He served six months before this conviction was quashed upon appeal.[17][19]

List

No. Portrait Name
(Birth–Death) 		Constituency Term of office Political party/alignment Ministry Ref.
Took office Left office Time in office
1 John Forrest.jpg Sir John Forrest MLA for Bunbury 29 December 1890 14 February 1901 10 years, 48 days Ministerialist Forrest Ministry [20][21]
Appointed by Governor William Robinson as the first premier of Western Australia. Began large-scale public works projects, including Fremantle Harbour and the Goldfields Water Supply Scheme. Perth Mint opened. Represented Western Australia at Federation conferences. Resigned in February 1901 to run for the seat of Swan in the federal House of Representatives.
2 George Throssell (1840-1910).jpg George Throssell MLA for Northam 14 February 1901 27 May 1901 101 days Ministerialist Throssell Ministry [20][22]
Took over as Premier and Treasurer after Forrest's resignation in February 1901. Contested the 1901 election as Premier, but resigned after his faction failed to win a majority of seats.
3 George Leake.jpg George Leake MLA for West Perth 27 May 1901 21 November 1901 178 days Oppositionist First Leake Ministry [20][23]
Became Premier as a compromise between the opposing factions of Frederick Illingworth and George Throssell. Served for five months before his government was defeated on a no-confidence vote.
4 Alf Morgans (1850-1933).jpg Alf Morgans MLA for Coolgardie 21 November 1901 23 December 1901 32 days Ministerialist Morgans Ministry [20][24]
Served as Premier for 32 days as a compromise after George Leake's government was defeated. Resigned after members of his Cabinet were defeated in a ministerial by-election.
George Leake.jpg George Leake MLA for West Perth 23 December 1901 1 July 1902 190 days Oppositionist Second Leake Ministry [20]
Again became Premier after the failure of Alf Morgans' government. Died in office on 24 June 1902.
5 Walter James.jpg Sir Walter James MLA for East Perth 1 July 1902 10 August 1904 2 years, 40 days Oppositionist James Ministry [20][25]
Sworn in as Premier after Leake's death. Led a reforming government, which legalised trade unions and introduced workers' compensation and a stronger Arbitration Act. Unsuccessfully attempted to reform the franchise. Defeated in a no-confidence motion after the 1904 election.
6 HenryDaglish.jpeg Henry Daglish MLA for Subiaco 10 August 1904 25 August 1905 1 year, 15 days Labor Daglish Ministry [20][26]
Western Australia's first Labor premier. John Drayon, a newspaper editor, imprisoned under parliamentary privilege. Resigned after twelve months after his plan to buy the Midland Railway Company for £1.5 million was defeated in parliament.
7 Cornthwaite Rason (1858-1927).jpg Sir Hector Rason MLA for Guildford 25 August 1905 7 May 1906 255 days Ministerialist Rason Ministry [20][27]
Headed a Royal Commission on immigration. Resigned in 1906 after appointing himself Agent General.
8 Newton Moore (1870-1936).jpeg Sir Newton Moore MLA for Bunbury 7 May 1906 16 September 1910 1 year, 21 days Ministerialist Moore Ministry [20][28]
Began as premier at age 36, with only two years of parliamentary experience, at the time the youngest ever premier. Placed emphasis on agriculture and rural development, establishing the Wheatbelt and implementing the Income and Land Tax. Resigned in September 1910 on grounds of ill health.
9 Frank Wilson (1859-1918).jpeg Frank Wilson MLA for Sussex 16 September 1910 7 October 1911 1 year, 21 days Ministerialist First Wilson Ministry [20][29]
Pushed through legislation which established the University of Western Australia and a number of electoral reform bills. Lost in a landslide to Labor at the 1911 election.
10 John Scaddan.jpg John Scaddan MLA for Brown Hill-Ivanhoe 7 October 1911 27 July 1916 4 years, 294 days Labor Scaddan Ministry [20][30]
Passed a number of reform bills, established a state income tax, extended workers' compensation, reformed the education system, and set up a number of state-owned industries, including the State Shipping Service, abattoirs, sawmills, quarries, brickworks and farms. SS Koombana wrecked off the coast of Port Hedland. Government defeated July 1916, in part due to heavy debt and the Nevanas affair.
Frank Wilson (1859-1918).jpeg Frank Wilson MLA for Sussex 27 July 1916 28 June 1917 336 days Liberal Second Wilson Ministry [20][29]
Returned as premier after Scaddan's Labor government lost a majority in the lower house. Replaced by Henry Lefroy as premier after a new Nationalist Party was formed, without Wilson and several of his ministers.
11 Henry Lefroy.jpg Sir Henry Lefroy MLA for Moore 28 June 1917 17 April 1919 1 year, 293 days Nationalist Lefroy Ministry [20][31]
Elected leader by the newly formed majority Nationalist Party. Moore River Native Settlement established 1918. Resigned in 1919 after an unsuccessful leadership spill which forced Lefroy to cast the deciding vote on his premiership.
12 Hal Colebatch.jpg Sir Hal Colebatch MLC for East Province 17 April 1919 17 May 1919 30 days Nationalist Colebatch Ministry [20][32]
After being elected leader of the Nationalist Party, Colebatch served as premier from the Legislative Council with the understanding that a lower house seat would be found for him. Resigned after a month when no seat could be found for him. Pelted with rocks during the Fremantle wharf crisis. The only person to serve as premier while a member of the upper house, and the short-serving premier.
13 Sir James Mitchell.jpg Sir James Mitchell MLA for Northam 17 May 1919 15 April 1924 4 years, 335 days Nationalist First Mitchell Ministry [20][33]
Established a strong Western Australian dairy industry. Initiated the Group Settlement and Soldier Settlement Schemes in the South West. Race riots in Broome in 1920. Defeated by Labor at the 1924 election.
14 Philip Collier.jpg Philip Collier MLA for Boulder 15 April 1924 23 April 1930 6 years, 8 days Labor First Collier Ministry [20][34]
Reduced taxation, allowing the first surplus in 16 years. Continued the previous government's rural development initiatives. Woods Royal Commission on the Forrest River massacre. Centenary of Western Australia celebrated. Introduced a minimum wage and a 40-hour working week.
Sir James Mitchell.jpg Sir James Mitchell MLA for Northam 23 April 1930 24 April 1933 3 years Nationalist Second Mitchell Ministry [20][33]
Returned after the 1930 election, governing in coalition with the Country Party. Secession referendum held in 1933 was passed with 66% of the vote, however, the Nationalist/Country coalition lost power at the 1933, and the returning Labor government did not act on the results. Moseley Royal Commission regarding the treatment of Aboriginals established.
Philip Collier.jpg Philip Collier MLA for Boulder 24 April 1933 19 August 1936 3 years, 118 days Labor Second Collier Ministry [20][34]
Led his party to victory at the 1936 election. Resigned August 1936. Over his two terms, served nine years and 126 days, the longest by a Labor premier.
15 John Willcock.jpg John Willcock MLA for Geraldton 19 August 1936 31 July 1945 8 years, 345 days Labor Willcock Ministry [20][35]
Introduced a range of small secondary industries. Considered a plan for a Jewish homeland in the Kimberley. Japanese planes attack Broome and the MV Koolama. Represented Western Australia at the coronation of King George V in 1937. Resigned in 1945 due to ill health.
16 Honfrankjosephwise.jpg Frank Wise MLA for Gascoyne 31 July 1945 1 April 1947 1 year, 244 days Labor Wise Ministry [20]
Chosen to serve as premier after John Willcock's resignation. Introduced Air Beef Scheme in the Kimberley. Wise's government was defeated at the 1947 election.
17 Ross McLarty.jpg Sir Ross McLarty MLA for Murray-Wellington 1 April 1947 23 February 1953 5 years, 328 days Liberal McLarty–Watts Ministry [20][36]
Governed in coalition with the Country Party. Introduced post-war industrial development, including oil refineries at Kwinana. Established the State Housing Commission. Lost office at the 1953 election.
18 Albert Hawke 1965.jpg Albert Hawke MLA for Northam 23 February 1953 2 April 1959 6 years, 37 days Labor Hawke Ministry [20][37]
Improved public housing. Aboriginal Australians given citizenship rights in 1954. Passed heavily criticised anti-profiteering legislation. The first premier born in the 20th century.
19 DavidBrand1963.jpg Sir David Brand MLA for Greenough 2 April 1959 3 March 1971 11 years, 335 days Liberal Brand–Watts Ministry
Brand–Nalder Ministry 		[20][38]
First mining of iron ore in the Pilbara. Expanded mineral processing at Kwinana and in the South West. 1962 British Empire and Commonwealth Games held in Perth. Initiated the Standard Gauge Railway project. Federal funding obtained for Ord River Scheme. Controversy over proposed demolition of the Barracks Arch. Mining Poseidon bubble burst. Conflict with the federal government over wheat quotas. Lost power at the 1971 election.
20 JohnTonkin1964crop.jpg John Tonkin MLA for Melville 3 March 1971 8 April 1974 3 years, 66 days Labor Tonkin Ministry [20]
Emphasis on education and further industrial development.
21 Charles Court in 1952 cropped.jpg Sir Charles Court MLA for Nedlands 8 April 1974 25 January 1982 7 years, 292 days Liberal Court–McPharlin Ministry
Court Ministry 		[20]
Emphasised development of mining, oil and natural gas industries, precipitating a mining boom. Perth–Fremantle railway line closed September 1979. Murdoch University and Art Gallery of Western Australia opened. 150th anniversary of European settlement celebrated. Retired January 1982.
22 File:RayO'ConnorPremier.jpg Ray O'Connor MLA for Mount Lawley 25 January 1982 25 February 1983 1 year, 31 days Liberal O'Connor Ministry [20]
Continued Charles Court's policies of mining and industrial development. Perth Mint Swindle. Lost power at the 1983 election. Sentenced to six months jail for stealing a $25,000 cheque from the Bond Corporation.
23 Brian Burke MLA for Balga 25 February 1983 25 February 1988 5 years Labor Burke Ministry [20]
Won the 1983 and 1986 elections. Reopened the Fremantle railway line. Abolished capital punishment. Resigned in 1988 for personal reasons. WA Inc controversy emerged after his resignation. Sentenced to two years jail in 1994 for defrauding the state, but was released on parole after seven months. Sentenced to three years jail in 1997 for stealing campaign donations but the convictions were quashed upon appeal six months later.
24 Peter Dowding.jpg Peter Dowding MLA for Maylands 25 February 1988 13 March 1990 1 year, 352 days Labor Dowding Ministry [20]
Won the leadership of the Labor Party after Burke's resignation. Won the 1989 election. Resigned during the 1990 leadership spill after controversy over WA Inc.
25 Carmen Lawrence 1990 (cropped).png Carmen Lawrence MLA for Glendalough 13 March 1990 16 February 1993 3 years, 4 days Labor Lawrence Ministry [20]
Won the leadership of the Labor Party during the 1990 leadership spill, making her the first women to be premier of any Australian state. Established the WA Inc royal commission. Opened the Joondalup line in December 1992. Involved in controversy due to her role in the Easton affair. Defeated at the 1993 election. Entered federal parliament in 1994. Was charged with perjury in 1997 over the Easton affair but was acquitted in 1999.
26 Richard Court - Ambassador to Japan.jpg Richard Court MLA for Nedlands 16 February 1993 16 February 2001 7 years, 360 days Liberal Court–Cowan Ministry [20]
Won the 1993 and 1996 elections in coalition with the National Party. Constructed the Graham Farmer Freeway, which involved a 1.6 kilometres (0.99 mi) tunnel through the Perth CBD. Controversy over the logging of old-growth forests and a finance-broking scheme. Lost the 2001 election. His father is Charles Court, making them the only father-son pair of Western Australian premiers.
27 Geoffrey Gallop Midland (cropped).jpg Geoff Gallop MLA for Victoria Park 16 February 2001 3 February 2006 4 years, 343 days Labor Gallop Ministry [20]
Won the 2001 and 2005 elections. Protected 230,000 hectares (570,000 acres) of old-growth forests. Closed Swan Valley Nyungah Community after allegations of rape, substance abuse and child abuse. Started construction on the Mandurah line. Resigned in January 2006 to deal with depression.
28 Alan Carpenter (cropped).jpg Alan Carpenter MLA for Willagee 3 February 2006 23 September 2008 2 years, 242 days Labor Carpenter Ministry [20]
Won the leadership of the Labor Party after Gallop's resignation. Opened the Mandurah line. Sacked three ministers after allegations of impropriety involving former premier Brian Burke by the Corruption and Crime Commission. Defeated at the 2008 election.
29 Colin Barnett (formal) crop.jpg Colin Barnett MLA for Cottesloe 23 September 2008 17 March 2017 8 years, 175 days Liberal Barnett Ministry [20]
Won the 2008 election after gaining the support of the National Party and three Independent MPs. Won a majority at the 2013 election but continued in partnership with the National Party. Constructed Elizabeth Quay and the Gateway WA road upgrade. Started construction on NorthLink WA, the Perth Freight Link, Perth Stadium, Perth City Link, and the Forrestfield-Airport Link. Lost the state's AAA credit rating. Defeated at the 2017 election.
30 Mark McGowan headshot.jpg Mark McGowan MLA for Rockingham 17 March 2017 incumbent 6 years, 174 days Labor First McGowan Ministry
Second McGowan Ministry
Won the 2017 and 2021 elections. Cancelled the Perth Freight Link highway project. Legalised voluntary assisted dying. Created Metronet to handle various passenger rail expansions. Premier during the COVID-19 pandemic, during which Western Australia remained largely free of the virus from 2020 to 2021. Brought the state into a surplus.

Premiers to have gone into federal politics

The premiers to have gone into federal politics are John Forrest, Hal Colebatch and Carmen Lawrence.[39]

Ministries held by premiers

Prior to 2001, the premier was typically the treasurer (colonial treasurer prior to 1924[40]) as well. Since then, the only premiers to also be treasurer are Colin Barnett, who held the position intermittently, and Mark McGowan, who has held the position since March 2021.[41]

Birthplace

There are 16 premiers born in Western Australia, eight premiers born in the eastern parts of Australia, and six premiers born outside Australia. Every premier born in the eastern parts of Australia is a Labor Premier, and every Labor premier prior to John Tonkin was born in the eastern parts of Australia. Every premier born outside Australia is a non-Labor premier, and all were born in the British Isles.[10] Two premiers came from Bunbury: John Forrest and James Mitchell. Ross McLarty was born in the small town of Pinjarra, David Brand was born in Dongara, and John Tonkin was born in Boulder.[10] Carmen Lawrence was born in Northam but grew up in Gutha, Morawa and Dongara.[9] Geoff Gallop was born and raised in Geraldton.[42][43] Alan Carpenter was born and raised in Albany.[44][45] The eight remaining premiers were born in Perth.[10]

Birthplace No. Name
Western Australia 16 John Forrest
George Leake
Walter James
Newton Moore
Henry Lefroy
James Mitchell
Ross McLarty
David Brand
John Tonkin
Ray O'Connor
Brian Burke
Carmen Lawrence
Richard Court
Geoff Gallop
Alan Carpenter
Colin Barnett
England 4 Hector Rason[10]
Frank Wilson[10]
Hal Colebatch[10]
Charles Court[10]
Victoria 3 Henry Daglish[10]
Philip Collier[10]
Peter Dowding
New South Wales 2 John Willcock[10]
Mark McGowan
South Australia 2 John Scaddan[10]
Albert Hawke[10]
Ireland 1 George Throssell[10]
Queensland 1 Frank Wise[10]
Wales 1 Alf Morgans[10]

Age

The median age of a premier on the first day of their first term is roughly 49 years, and 280 days which falls between Mark McGowan and Philip Collier. The youngest person to assume the office was John Scaddan at 35 years and 64 days. The oldest person to assume office was John Tonkin at 69 years and 29 days.

The oldest living former premier is Peter Dowding, born 6 October 1943 (age 79 years, 336 days). The youngest living former premier is Alan Carpenter, born 4 January 1957, (age 66 years, 246 days). The youngest living premier is the incumbent Mark McGowan, born 13 July 1967, (age 56 years, 56 days).

The longest-lived premier was Charles Court who died on 22 December 2007 aged 96 years and 84 days. John Tonkin was the second longest-lived premier, aged 93 years and 260 days, 2 years and 189 days short of Court. The oldest living premier, Peter Dowding will tie Tonkin if he lives to 23 June 2037, and tie Court if he lives to 29 December 2039. The shortest-lived premier was George Leake who died in office at the age of 45 years and 203 days on 24 June 1902.

The premier with the longest retirement is Frank Wise. He left office on 1 April 1947, and died 39 years and 89 days later on 29 June 1986. Brian Burke left office on 25 February 1988. If he's still alive on 25 May 2027, he will surpass Wise's record, and become the premier with the longest retirement. The premier with the shortest retirement is Frank Wilson, who died on 7 December 1918, 1 year and 162 days after leaving office on 28 June 1917.

# Premier Born Took office Age Left office Age Died Length of retirement Lifespan
1 John Forrest 22 August 1847 29 December 1890 43 years, 129 days 15 February 1901 53 years, 177 days 2 September 1918 17 years, 199 days 71 years, 11 days
2 George Throssell 23 May 1840 15 February 1901 60 years, 268 days 27 May 1901 61 years, 4 days 30 August 1910 9 years, 95 days 70 years, 99 days
3 George Leake 3 December 1856 27 May 1901 44 years, 175 days 24 June 1902[46] 45 years, 203 days 24 June 1902 N/A 45 years, 203 days
4 Alf Morgans 17 February 1850 21 November 1901 51 years, 277 days 23 December 1901 51 years, 309 days 10 August 1933 31 years, 230 days 83 years, 174 days
5 Walter James 29 March 1863 1 July 1902 39 years, 94 days 10 August 1904 41 years, 134 days 3 January 1943 38 years, 146 days 79 years, 280 days
6 Henry Daglish 18 November 1866 10 August 1904 37 years, 266 days 25 August 1905 38 years, 280 days 16 August 1920 14 years, 357 days 53 years, 272 days
7 Hector Rason 18 June 1858 25 August 1905 47 years, 68 days 7 May 1906 47 years, 323 days 15 March 1927 20 years, 312 days 68 years, 270 days
8 Newton Moore 17 May 1870 7 May 1906 35 years, 355 days 29 August 1904 40 years, 122 days 28 October 1936 26 years, 42 days 66 years, 164 days
9 Frank Wilson 12 May 1859 16 September 1910 51 years, 127 days 28 June 1917 58 years, 47 days 7 December 1918 1 year, 162 days 59 years, 209 days
10 John Scaddan 4 August 1876 7 October 1911 35 years, 64 days 26 July 1916 39 years, 357 days 21 November 1934 18 years, 118 days 58 years, 109 days
11 Henry Lefroy 24 March 1854 28 June 1917 63 years, 96 days 17 April 1919 65 years, 24 days 19 March 1930 10 years, 336 days 75 years, 360 days
12 Hal Colebatch 29 March 1872 17 April 1919 47 years, 19 days 17 May 1919 47 years, 49 days 12 February 1953 33 years, 271 days 80 years, 320 days
13 James Mitchell 27 April 1866 17 May 1919 53 years, 20 days 24 April 1933 66 years, 362 days 26 July 1951 18 years, 93 days 85 years, 90 days
14 Philip Collier 21 April 1873 16 April 1924 50 years, 361 days 19 August 1936 63 years, 120 days 18 October 1948 12 years, 60 days 75 years, 180 days
15 John Willcock 9 August 1879 20 August 1936 57 years, 11 days 31 July 1945 65 years, 356 days 7 June 1956 11 years, 311 days 77 years, 302 days
16 Frank Wise 30 May 1897 31 July 1945 48 years, 62 days 1 April 1947 49 years, 306 days 29 June 1986 39 years, 89 days 89 years, 30 days
17 Ross McLarty 17 March 1891 1 April 1947 56 years, 15 days 23 February 1953 61 years, 343 days 22 December 1962 9 years, 302 days 71 years, 280 days
18 Albert Hawke 3 December 1900 23 February 1953 52 years, 82 days 2 April 1959 58 years, 120 days 14 February 1986 26 years, 318 days 85 years, 73 days
19 David Brand 1 August 1912 2 April 1959 46 years, 244 days 3 March 1971 58 years, 214 days 15 April 1979 8 years, 43 days 66 years, 257 days
20 John Tonkin 2 February 1902 3 March 1971 69 years, 29 days 8 April 1974 72 years, 65 days 20 October 1995 21 years, 195 days 93 years, 260 days
21 Charles Court 29 September 1911 8 April 1974 62 years, 191 days 25 January 1982 70 years, 118 days 22 December 2007 25 years, 331 days 96 years, 84 days
22 Ray O'Connor 6 March 1926 25 January 1982 55 years, 325 days 25 February 1983 56 years, 356 days 25 February 2013 30 years, 0 days 86 years, 356 days
23 Brian Burke 25 February 1947 25 February 1983 36 years, 0 days 25 February 1988 41 years, 0 days 35 years, 194 days 76 years, 194 days
24 Peter Dowding 6 October 1943 25 February 1988 44 years, 142 days 12 February 1990 46 years, 129 days 33 years, 207 days 79 years, 336 days
25 Carmen Lawrence 2 March 1948 12 February 1990 41 years, 347 days 16 February 1993 44 years, 351 days 30 years, 203 days 75 years, 189 days
26 Richard Court 27 September 1947 16 February 1993 45 years, 142 days 10 February 2001 53 years, 136 days 22 years, 209 days 75 years, 345 days
27 Geoff Gallop 27 September 1951 10 February 2001 49 years, 136 days 25 January 2006 54 years, 120 days 17 years, 225 days 71 years, 345 days
28 Alan Carpenter 4 January 1957 25 January 2006 49 years, 21 days 23 September 2008 51 years, 263 days 14 years, 349 days 66 years, 246 days
29 Colin Barnett 15 July 1950 23 September 2008 58 years, 70 days 17 March 2017 66 years, 245 days 6 years, 174 days 73 years, 54 days
30 Mark McGowan 13 July 1967 17 March 2017 49 years, 247 days Incumbent Incumbent Incumbent 56 years, 56 days

[47]

Living former premiers

As of 7 September 2023, there are seven former premiers alive, as well as the current premier. The most recent premier to die is Ray O'Connor, who died on 25 February 2013 aged 86.[48][18]

Name Term as premier Date of birth Current age
Brian Burke 1983–1988 25 February 1947 76 years, 194 days
Peter Dowding 1988–1990 6 October 1943 79 years, 336 days
Carmen Lawrence 1990–1993 2 March 1948 75 years, 189 days
Richard Court 1993–2001 27 September 1947 75 years, 345 days
Geoff Gallop 2001–2006 27 September 1951 71 years, 345 days
Alan Carpenter 2006–2008 4 January 1957 66 years, 246 days
Colin Barnett 2008–2017 15 July 1950 73 years, 54 days

Oldest living premiers of Western Australia

Not all premiers live to become the oldest of their time. Of the 22 deceased premiers, 12 eventually became the oldest of their time, while 10 did not. Frank Wise became the oldest living premier when Ross McLarty died in 1962 and remained so until his death in 1986, for a record 23 years and 189 days. Hal Colebatch became the oldest living premier when James Mitchell died in 1951, but he survived Mitchell by only 1 year and 201 days.

On one occasion the oldest living premier lost this distinction not by his death, but due to the appointment of a premier who was older. John Forrest lost this distinction when George Throssell was appointed, but when Throssell died in 1910, Forrest regained it again until his own death in 1918 for a total period of 18 years and 51 days. John Tonkin was the oldest to acquire this distinction at the age of 84 years, and 147 days. Albert Hawke, who was aged 85 years, and 73 days when he died, on 14 February 1986 was the oldest and most recent premier to die without ever acquiring this distinction.

Premier Period when oldest living premier Age Duration
Start date End date at start at end
John Forrest 29 December 1890 15 February 1901 43 years, 129 days 53 years, 177 days 10 years, 48 days
George Throssell 15 February 1901 30 August 1910 60 years, 268 days 70 years, 99 days 9 years, 196 days
John Forrest 30 August 1910 2 September 1918 63 years, 8 days 71 years, 11 days 8 years, 3 days
Alf Morgans 2 September 1918 10 August 1933 68 years, 197 days 83 years, 174 days 14 years, 342 days
Walter James 10 August 1933 3 January 1943 70 years, 134 days 79 years, 280 days 9 years, 146 days
James Mitchell 3 January 1943 26 July 1951 76 years, 251 days 85 years, 90 days 8 years, 204 days
Hal Colebatch 26 July 1951 12 February 1953 79 years, 119 days 80 years, 320 days 1 year, 201 days
John Willcock 12 February 1953 7 June 1956 73 years, 187 days 76 years, 303 days 3 years, 116 days
Ross McLarty 7 June 1956 22 December 1962 65 years, 82 days 71 years, 280 days 6 years, 198 days
Frank Wise 22 December 1962 29 June 1986 65 years, 206 days 89 years, 30 days 23 years, 189 days
John Tonkin 29 June 1986 20 October 1995 84 years, 147 days 93 years, 260 days 9 years, 113 days
Charles Court 20 October 1995 22 December 2007 84 years, 21 days 96 years, 84 days 12 years, 63 days
Ray O'Connor 22 December 2007 25 February 2013 81 years, 291 days 86 years, 356 days 5 years, 65 days
Peter Dowding 25 February 2013 Current oldest living premier 69 years, 142 days Current oldest living premier 10 years, 194 days
Premier Start date End date Age at start Age at end Duration

[49]

Graphical timeline

Mark McGowanColin BarnettAlan CarpenterGeoff GallopRichard CourtCarmen LawrencePeter DowdingBrian Burke (Australian politician)Ray O'ConnorCharles CourtJohn TonkinDavid BrandAlbert HawkeRoss McLartyFrank WiseJohn WillcockPhilip CollierJames Mitchell (Australian politician)Hal ColebatchHenry LefroyJohn ScaddanFrank Wilson (politician)Newton MooreHector RasonHenry DaglishWalter JamesAlf MorgansGeorge LeakeGeorge ThrossellJohn Forrest

References

  1. ^ "Members of Parliament Tribunal Determination No 1 of 2020". WA.gov.au. Retrieved 26 June 2022.
  2. ^ Tyeson, Cam (1 June 2021). "Here's How Much Every State Premier Gets Paid If You Wanna Get Boomer-Tier Mad About Yr Taxes". Pedestrian. Retrieved 26 June 2022.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n "Premiers of WA Factsheet" (PDF). Parliament of Western Australia. May 2021. Retrieved 18 June 2022.
  4. ^ a b c Reid & Oliver 1982, p. 1.
  5. ^ Reid & Oliver 1982, p. 2.
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  46. ^ Died in office on this date.
  47. ^ Updated daily according to UTC.
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  49. ^ Updated daily according to UTC.

Bibliography

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