Government of Western Australia

WA was granted self-government in 1889 with a bicameral Parliament located in Perth , WA . Consisting of the Legislative Assembly (or lower house), which has 59 members; and the Legislative Council (or upper house), which has 36 members. Suffrage is universal and compulsory for citizens over 18 years of age.

With the federation of the Australian colonies in 1901.WA, became a state within Australia 's federal structure; this involved ceding certain powers to the Commonwealth (or Federal) government. In accordance with the Constitution; all powers not specifically granted to the Commonwealth remained solely with the State, however over time the Commonwealth has effectively expanded its powers through increasing control of taxation and financial distribution.

Whilst the sovereign of WA, is the Queen of Australia (Queen Elizabeth II, and executive power nominally vested in her State representative the Governor.(currently Ken Michael, executive power rests with the premier and ministers drawn from the party or coalition of parties holding a majority of seats in the Legislative Assembly. The current Premier is Colin Barnett.