Our Constitution

1829 The Governor held all political power in the colony.

1832 The Governor and four officials constitute the Executive and Legislative Councils. These councils generally supported the Governor.

1839 Four leading colonists were nominated to the Legislative Council. It was not until 1867 that more colonists were appointed, and the Council slowly developed into a mini-Parliament.

1870 Two thirds of members of Legislative Council now elected. Men over 21 who owned property or leased property could vote. This meant, for instance, that professional men could usually vote, but that artisans, labourers and others could not. Women and Aboriginal people were excluded.

1890 The two house (bicameral) Western Australian Parliament established by Constitution. Men who owned freehold property or leased property of 10 pounds annual minimum value could vote. Crown leaseholders of 10 pounds annual value, householders who leased homes of 10 pounds annual value, and lodgers, who occupied a room of 10 pounds annual value for two years were also entitled to vote. This was at a time when the casual daily wage for a skilled labourer was about 7 shillings. 10 pounds was approximately 6 weeks wages of such a labourer when in full time employment, which was not common.

1893 All men over 21 now able to vote for the Legislative Assembly, but many still barred from registering as electors because of restrictive residency qualifications which required them to reside in one place for twelve months in order to register to vote. Women were still unable to vote. Aboriginal people were specifically excluded unless they owned property.

1901 Women over 21 win voting right in 1899; however, they first vote in a State Election in 1901.

1921 Women win right to stand as candidates for Parliament in 1920. The first woman elected to Parliament was Edith Cowan - elected in the 1921 election.

1962 Aboriginal people over 21 win the right to vote in that year's election.

1965 In 1964, all people 21 and over granted the right to vote in Legislative Council elections. The 1965 election was the first at which they could exercise that right.

1971 In 1970, all people 18 and over won the right to vote for both houses of Parliament. The 1971 election was the first at which they could exercise that right.