Understanding how Western Australia’s (WA) Parliament operates and how to vote in its elections is crucial for making your vote count.
In WA, you participate in the democratic process by electing representatives to the parliament every four years. These representatives are tasked with reviewing and creating laws on your behalf.
Typically, candidates belong to political parties, although some may run independently. A political party can form the WA State Government if the majority of its candidates are elected in the Legislative Assembly. The largest party unable to form the government becomes the Opposition. Alternatively, a coalition of parties and candidates without a majority can form the government.
Elected representatives are known as Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) or Members of the Legislative Council (MLC). MLAs represent specific districts or electorates in the Legislative Assembly, while MLCs represent the entire state of WA in the Legislative Council.
The WA Parliament comprises two houses:
The Legislative Assembly (Lower House) consisting of 59 members, where laws are made, and the state budget is passed. The Premier, the head of the government, is elected in this house.
The Legislative Council (Upper House)
comprising 37 members, where laws passed by the Legislative Assembly are reviewed. MLCs are elected for four-year terms, with all of the Council’s members facing election in each electoral cycle.
Voting for candidates in both houses is essential because they play crucial roles in government decision-making. Both houses must agree before new laws can be enacted.
For further details, visit the WA Parliament website.
