Burke Ministry (Western Australia)
Encyclopedia
The Burke Ministry was the 29th Ministry of the Government of Western Australia
, led by Labor
Premier Brian Burke
and deputy Mal Bryce
. It commenced on 25 February 1983, six days after the O'Connor ministry
, led by Premier Ray O'Connor
of the Liberal Party
, was defeated at the 1983 election
. It was followed by the Dowding Ministry
upon Burke's retirement as Premier on 25 February 1988.
Most of its members followed on from the Burke shadow ministry
which had functioned since September 1981.
, who was said to have presented "too hardline an image" in his dealings with business, was relieved of Consumer Affairs. Another reshuffle occurred on 22 March 1985.
The Ministry was reconstituted on 26 February 1986 following the 1986 election
, due in part to the defeat of one minister, Ken McIver (MLA for Avon
), and the decisions of Ron Davies
and David Evans to stand down. At this point, two honorary Ministers were appointed, including Ernie Bridge
, to assist ministers in a number of portfolios. On 25 July 1986, they were both promoted to full Ministers, making Bridge the first ever Aboriginal
Cabinet minister in Australia.
, designated 15 principal executive offices of the Government under section 43(2) of the Constitution Acts Amendment Act 1899. The following ministers were then appointed to the positions, and served until the reconstitution of the Ministry on 26 February 1986.
The list below is ordered by decreasing seniority within the Cabinet, as indicated by the Government Gazette and the Hansard index.
, appointed the new Ministry. He designated 15 principal executive offices of the Government and appointed the following ministers to the positions, who served until the Dowding Ministry
was established on 26 February 1988. Three of the members were new to the Ministry, and two additional honorary members were also appointed to assist specific Ministers. One of these was Australia's first ever Aboriginal Cabinet minister, Ernie Bridge
. These honorary ministers were elevated to ministerial posts following the assent of the Constitution Amendment Act 1986 (No.10 of 1986) on 22 July 1986, which officially grew the Ministry from 15 to 17 members.
The members of the Second Ministry were:
Government of Western Australia
The formation of the Government of Western Australia is prescribed in its Constitution, which dates from 1890, although it has been amended many times since then...
, led by Labor
Australian Labor Party
The Australian Labor Party is an Australian political party. It has been the governing party of the Commonwealth of Australia since the 2007 federal election. Julia Gillard is the party's federal parliamentary leader and Prime Minister of Australia...
Premier Brian Burke
Brian Burke
Brian Thomas Burke was Labor premier of Western Australia from 25 February 1983 until his resignation on 25 February 1988...
and deputy Mal Bryce
Mal Bryce
Malcolm John "Mal" Bryce AO was the Labor member for Ascot in the Western Australian Legislative Assembly from 1971 to 1988. He was Deputy Premier to Brian Burke from 1983 to 1988.-References:...
. It commenced on 25 February 1983, six days after the O'Connor ministry
O'Connor Ministry
The O'Connor Ministry was the 28th Ministry of the Government of Western Australia, and was led by Liberal Premier Ray O'Connor and his deputy Cyril Rushton. It succeeded the Court Ministry on 25 January 1982, upon the retirement of Sir Charles Court from politics...
, led by Premier Ray O'Connor
Ray O'Connor
Raymond James "Ray" O'Connor was the 22nd Premier of Western Australia.-Pre-political life:He was born in Perth and attended schools in towns of Narrogin and York, and St Patrick's Boys' School in Perth...
of the Liberal Party
Liberal Party of Australia
The Liberal Party of Australia is an Australian political party.Founded a year after the 1943 federal election to replace the United Australia Party, the centre-right Liberal Party typically competes with the centre-left Australian Labor Party for political office...
, was defeated at the 1983 election
Western Australian state election, 1983
Elections were held in the state of Western Australia on 19 February 1983 to elect all 57 members to the Legislative Assembly and 18 members to the 34-seat Legislative Council....
. It was followed by the Dowding Ministry
Dowding Ministry
The Dowding Ministry was the 30th Ministry of the Government of Western Australia, and was led by Labor Premier Peter Dowding and his deputy, David Parker...
upon Burke's retirement as Premier on 25 February 1988.
Most of its members followed on from the Burke shadow ministry
Burke shadow ministry
The Burke shadow ministry was a Shadow Cabinet led by the Opposition Leader and leader of the Labor Party, Brian Burke, in the Parliament of Western Australia...
which had functioned since September 1981.
Overview
At first, the Burke Ministry utilised roles which were largely inherited from the previous Government. As the government had come to power at a time of economic recession, it commissioned a State Employment Task Force under the direction of Dr John Wood to review the machinery of government. An earlier report commissioned by the previous government on mining and resource development had highlighted interdepartmental conflicts in these areas. On the basis of these, a major reshuffle took place on 23 December with no changes of personnel, although several roles were abolished and new ones created, and Arthur TonkinArthur Tonkin
Arthur Edward Joseph Tonkin was an Australian national representative rugby union player who featured in the 1947-48 Wallaby tour of the British Isles.-Early life:...
, who was said to have presented "too hardline an image" in his dealings with business, was relieved of Consumer Affairs. Another reshuffle occurred on 22 March 1985.
The Ministry was reconstituted on 26 February 1986 following the 1986 election
Western Australian state election, 1986
Elections were held in the state of Western Australia on 8 February 1986 to elect all 57 members to the Legislative Assembly and 17 members to the 34-seat Legislative Council...
, due in part to the defeat of one minister, Ken McIver (MLA for Avon
Electoral district of Avon
Avon was an electoral district of the Legislative Assembly in the Australian state of Western Australia from 1911 to 2008. The name of the district was changed to Avon Valley in 1950, but reverted back to its original name in 1962....
), and the decisions of Ron Davies
Ron Davies (Western Australian politician)
Ronald "Ron" Davies was an Australian politician, who was an Australian Labor Party member of the Western Australian Legislative Assembly for the electoral district of Victoria Park from 1961 to 1986....
and David Evans to stand down. At this point, two honorary Ministers were appointed, including Ernie Bridge
Ernie Bridge
Ernest Frances "Ernie" Bridge is an Australian politician and country music singer. He was a member of the Western Australian Legislative Assembly from 1980 to 2001, representing the electorate of Kimberley, first as an Australian Labor Party representative and then as an independent MP...
, to assist ministers in a number of portfolios. On 25 July 1986, they were both promoted to full Ministers, making Bridge the first ever Aboriginal
Indigenous Australians
Indigenous Australians are the original inhabitants of the Australian continent and nearby islands. The Aboriginal Indigenous Australians migrated from the Indian continent around 75,000 to 100,000 years ago....
Cabinet minister in Australia.
First Ministry
On 25 February 1983, the Governor, Sir Richard TrowbridgeRichard Trowbridge
Rear Admiral Sir Richard John Trowbridge, KCVO , was Western Australia's twenty-fifth Governor from 25 November 1980 to 24 November 1983, and the last British-born vice-regal representative in Australia....
, designated 15 principal executive offices of the Government under section 43(2) of the Constitution Acts Amendment Act 1899. The following ministers were then appointed to the positions, and served until the reconstitution of the Ministry on 26 February 1986.
The list below is ordered by decreasing seniority within the Cabinet, as indicated by the Government Gazette and the Hansard index.
| Office | Minister |
|---|---|
Premier Premier of Western Australia The Premier of Western Australia is the head of the executive government in the Australian State of Western Australia. The Premier has similar functions in Western Australia to those performed by the Prime Minister of Australia at the national level, subject to the different Constitutions... and Treasurer Treasurer of Western Australia The Treasurer of the State of Western Australia is the title held by the Cabinet Minister who is responsible for the management of Western Australia's public sector finances, and for preparing and delivering the annual State Budget... Minister Co-ordinating Economic and Social Development Minister for Forests (until 22 March 1985) Minister for Tourism (until 22 March 1985) Minister for Women's Interests |
Brian Burke Brian Burke Brian Thomas Burke was Labor premier of Western Australia from 25 February 1983 until his resignation on 25 February 1988... , MLA |
Deputy Premier Deputy Premier of Western Australia The Deputy Premier of Western Australia is a role in the Government of Western Australia assigned to a responsible Minister in the Australian state of Western Australia. It has second ranking behind the Premier of Western Australia in Cabinet, and its holder serves as Acting Premier during absence... Minister for Economic Development and Technology (until 23 Dec 1983) (from 23 December 1983:)
(from 22 March 1985:)
|
Mal Bryce Mal Bryce Malcolm John "Mal" Bryce AO was the Labor member for Ascot in the Western Australian Legislative Assembly from 1971 to 1988. He was Deputy Premier to Brian Burke from 1983 to 1988.-References:... , BA Bachelor of Arts A Bachelor of Arts , from the Latin artium baccalaureus, is a bachelor's degree awarded for an undergraduate course or program in either the liberal arts, the sciences, or both... , MLA |
|
Minister for Industrial Relations (until 22 March 1985) Minister for Administrative Services (23 Dec 1983–22 March 1985) Minister for Tourism (from 22 March 1985) Minister for Racing and Gaming (from 22 March 1985) Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council |
Des Dans, MLC |
Attorney-General Attorney-General of Western Australia The Attorney-General of Western Australia is the member of the Government of Western Australia responsible for maintenance and improvement of Western Australia's system of law and justice. Before the advent of representative government in 1870, the title was Advocate-General of Western Australia... Minister for Budget Management (from 23 December 1983) Minister for Prisons (from 22 April 1983) Chief Secretary (until 22 April 1983) (until 23 December 1983:)
|
Joe Berinson Joe Berinson Joseph Max "Joe" Berinson is a former Labor member of the Australian House of Representatives from the 1969 election until his defeat by Ross McLean at the 1975 election, representing the division of Perth, Western Australia... , LL.B. Bachelor of Laws The Bachelor of Laws is an undergraduate, or bachelor, degree in law originating in England and offered in most common law countries as the primary law degree... , MLC |
|
Minister for Water Resources Minister for Consumer Affairs (until 23 December 1983) Minister for Parliamentary and Electoral Reform Leader of the House in the Legislative Assembly |
Arthur Tonkin, BA, DipEd, MLA |
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Minister for Local Government |
Jeff Carr, BA, MLA |
Minister for the Environment Minister for Conservation and Land Management (from 22 March 1985) Minister for Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs Minister for the Arts |
Ron Davies Ron Davies (Western Australian politician) Ronald "Ron" Davies was an Australian politician, who was an Australian Labor Party member of the Western Australian Legislative Assembly for the electoral district of Victoria Park from 1961 to 1986.... , MLA |
Minister for Agriculture Minister for Fisheries and Wildlife Minister assisting the Minister for Forests (25 March 1983–22 March 1985) Minister assisting the Minister for Conservation and Land Management (from 22 March 1985) |
David Evans, BA, MLA |
Minister for Education Minister for Education (Western Australia) The Minister for Education of Western Australia is the member of the Government of Western Australia responsible for maintenance and improvement of Western Australia's system of education, and is answerable to the Parliament for all actions taken by the Department of Education and Training under... Minister for Planning (from 22 March 1985) |
Bob Pearce Bob Pearce Robert John Pearce was an Australian politician, and a member of the Western Australian Legislative Assembly from 1977 until 1993 representing the seats of Gosnells and Armadale.-Biography:... , BA, DipEd, MLA |
| Minister for Health | Barry Hodge, MLA |
Minister for Works Minister for Lands and Surveys |
Ken McIver, MLA |
Minister for Employment (until 23 December 1983) Minister for Planning and Administrative Services (until 23 December 1983) Minister for Minerals and Energy (from 23 December 1983) Minister assisting the Minister Co-ordinating Economic and Social Development |
David Parker David Parker (Australian politician) David Charles Parker was an Australian politician from Western Australia, serving as a minister in the Burke Ministry , then as Deputy Premier in the Dowding Ministry... , BA, MLA |
Minister for Transport Minister for Regional Development Minister for the North-West Minister with special responsibility for "Bunbury 2000" |
Julian Grill Julian Grill Julian Fletcher Grill is a former member of the Australian Labor Party and Member of the Parliament of Western Australia as the Member for Eyre.... , LL.B., MLA |
Minister for Housing Minister for Youth and Community Services (until 22 March 1985) (from 22 March 1985:)
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Minister for Sport and Recreation |
Rev Keith Wilson, MLA |
(until 23 December 1983:)
(from 23 December 1983:)
Minister for Industrial Relations (from 22 March 1985) |
Peter Dowding Peter Dowding Peter McCallum Dowding SC was the 24th Premier of Western Australia, serving from 25 February 1988 until his resignation on 12 February 1990 after an internal party dispute.... , LL.B., MLA |
- On 25 March 1983, David Evans became, in addition to his earlier responsibilities, Minister assisting the Minister for Forests.
- On 22 April 1983, Joe Berinson's responsibilities were amended. The historic position of Chief Secretary was abolished, with those responsibilities passing to the Minister of Planning and Administrative Services. Berinson, meanwhile, added Minister for Prisons to his earlier responsibilities.
- On 3 June 1983, David Parker's responsibilities were amended, with Planning and Administrative Services becoming Planning, and Employment becoming Employment and Administrative Services.
Second Ministry
On 26 February 1986, the Governor, Gordon ReidGordon Reid (Governor)
Gordon Stanley Reid AC was an Australian academic who was Governor of Western Australia from 1984 to 1989....
, appointed the new Ministry. He designated 15 principal executive offices of the Government and appointed the following ministers to the positions, who served until the Dowding Ministry
Dowding Ministry
The Dowding Ministry was the 30th Ministry of the Government of Western Australia, and was led by Labor Premier Peter Dowding and his deputy, David Parker...
was established on 26 February 1988. Three of the members were new to the Ministry, and two additional honorary members were also appointed to assist specific Ministers. One of these was Australia's first ever Aboriginal Cabinet minister, Ernie Bridge
Ernie Bridge
Ernest Frances "Ernie" Bridge is an Australian politician and country music singer. He was a member of the Western Australian Legislative Assembly from 1980 to 2001, representing the electorate of Kimberley, first as an Australian Labor Party representative and then as an independent MP...
. These honorary ministers were elevated to ministerial posts following the assent of the Constitution Amendment Act 1986 (No.10 of 1986) on 22 July 1986, which officially grew the Ministry from 15 to 17 members.
The members of the Second Ministry were:
| Office | Minister |
|---|---|
Premier Premier of Western Australia The Premier of Western Australia is the head of the executive government in the Australian State of Western Australia. The Premier has similar functions in Western Australia to those performed by the Prime Minister of Australia at the national level, subject to the different Constitutions... and Treasurer Treasurer of Western Australia The Treasurer of the State of Western Australia is the title held by the Cabinet Minister who is responsible for the management of Western Australia's public sector finances, and for preparing and delivering the annual State Budget... Minister Co-ordinating Economic and Social Development (until 16 March 1987) Minister for Public Sector Management (from 29 October 1986) Minister for Women's Interests |
Brian Burke Brian Burke Brian Thomas Burke was Labor premier of Western Australia from 25 February 1983 until his resignation on 25 February 1988... , JP Justice of the Peace A justice of the peace is a puisne judicial officer elected or appointed by means of a commission to keep the peace. Depending on the jurisdiction, they might dispense summary justice or merely deal with local administrative applications in common law jurisdictions... , MLA |
Deputy Premier Deputy Premier of Western Australia The Deputy Premier of Western Australia is a role in the Government of Western Australia assigned to a responsible Minister in the Australian state of Western Australia. It has second ranking behind the Premier of Western Australia in Cabinet, and its holder serves as Acting Premier during absence... Minister for Industry and Technology Minister for Small Business (until 12 May 1986) Minister for Defence Liaison Minister for Communications Minister for Parliamentary and Electoral Reform |
Mal Bryce Mal Bryce Malcolm John "Mal" Bryce AO was the Labor member for Ascot in the Western Australian Legislative Assembly from 1971 to 1988. He was Deputy Premier to Brian Burke from 1983 to 1988.-References:... , BA Bachelor of Arts A Bachelor of Arts , from the Latin artium baccalaureus, is a bachelor's degree awarded for an undergraduate course or program in either the liberal arts, the sciences, or both... , JP, MLA |
Minister for Works and Services Minister for Water Resources (12 May–25 July 1986) Minister with special responsibility for the America's Cup America's Cup The America’s Cup is a trophy awarded to the winner of the America's Cup match races between two yachts. One yacht, known as the defender, represents the yacht club that currently holds the America's Cup and the second yacht, known as the challenger, represents the yacht club that is challenging... Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council |
Des Dans, MLC (until 16 March 1987) |
Attorney-General Attorney-General of Western Australia The Attorney-General of Western Australia is the member of the Government of Western Australia responsible for maintenance and improvement of Western Australia's system of law and justice. Before the advent of representative government in 1870, the title was Advocate-General of Western Australia... Minister for Budget Management Minister for Prisons (until 16 March 1987) Minister for Corrective Services (from 16 March 1987) Deputy Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council (Leader from 16 March 1987) |
Joe Berinson Joe Berinson Joseph Max "Joe" Berinson is a former Labor member of the Australian House of Representatives from the 1969 election until his defeat by Ross McLean at the 1975 election, representing the division of Perth, Western Australia... , LL.B. Bachelor of Laws The Bachelor of Laws is an undergraduate, or bachelor, degree in law originating in England and offered in most common law countries as the primary law degree... , MLC |
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Minister for Water Resources |
Arthur Tonkin Arthur Tonkin Arthur Edward Joseph Tonkin was an Australian national representative rugby union player who featured in the 1947-48 Wallaby tour of the British Isles.-Early life:... , BA, DipEd, JP, MLA (until 12 May 1986) |
Minister for Local Government Minister for Regional Development |
Jeff Carr, BA, JP, MLA |
Minister for Education Minister for Education (Western Australia) The Minister for Education of Western Australia is the member of the Government of Western Australia responsible for maintenance and improvement of Western Australia's system of education, and is answerable to the Parliament for all actions taken by the Department of Education and Training under... Minister for Planning Minister for Intergovernmental Relations (from 16 March 1987) Minister for Police and Emergency Services (12 May–25 July 1986) Leader of the House in the Legislative Assembly |
Bob Pearce Bob Pearce Robert John Pearce was an Australian politician, and a member of the Western Australian Legislative Assembly from 1977 until 1993 representing the seats of Gosnells and Armadale.-Biography:... , BA, DipEd, JP, MLA |
Minister for the Environment Minister for Conservation and Land Management |
Barry Hodge, MLA |
Minister for Minerals and Energy Minister for Economic Development (from 16 March 1987) Minister for the Arts Minister assisting the Minister Co-ordinating Economic and Social Development (until 16 March 1987) |
David Parker David Parker (Australian politician) David Charles Parker was an Australian politician from Western Australia, serving as a minister in the Burke Ministry , then as Deputy Premier in the Dowding Ministry... , BA, MLA |
Minister for Agriculture Minister for Fisheries Minister for the South-West Minister for Transport (12 May–25 July 1986) Minister for the North-West (until 25 July 1986) |
Julian Grill Julian Grill Julian Fletcher Grill is a former member of the Australian Labor Party and Member of the Parliament of Western Australia as the Member for Eyre.... , LL.B., JP, MLA |
Minister for Housing Minister for Lands (from 16 March 1987) Minister for Sport and Recreation (until 16 March 1987) Minister for Consumer Affairs (until 16 March 1987) Minister for Aboriginal Affairs (until 25 July 1986) |
Rev Keith Wilson, MLA |
(Until 16 March 1987:)
(from 16 March 1987:)
Minister assisting the Minister for Public Sector Management (from 29 October 1986) |
Peter Dowding Peter Dowding Peter McCallum Dowding SC was the 24th Premier of Western Australia, serving from 25 February 1988 until his resignation on 12 February 1990 after an internal party dispute.... , LL.B., MLA |
Minister for Health Minister for Consumer Affairs (from 16 March 1987) Minister for the Aged (until 12 May 1986) Minister for Lands (until 16 March 1987) Minister assisting the Minister for Economic Development (from 16 March 1987) |
Ian Taylor Ian Taylor (Australian politician) Ian Taylor is a former Australian politician and Western Australian Deputy Premier and Opposition Leader.Taylor was elected to the Western Australian Legislative Assembly in 1981 as the Labor member for Kalgoorlie. In 1986 he was appointed Minister for Health and also held the Aged Care, Lands and... , B.Econ (Hons), JP, MLA |
Minister for Tourism Minister for Racing and Gaming |
Pam Beggs, JP, MLA |
Minister for Community Services Minister for the Family Minister for Youth Minister for the Aged (from 12 May 1986) Minister for Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs (until 25 July 1986) Minister assisting the Minister for Women's Interests Deputy Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council (from 16 March 1987) |
Kay Hallahan Kay Hallahan Elsie Kay Hallahan , commonly known as Kay Hallahan, is an Australian politician. A member of the Labor Party, she served as a minister in the Burke, Dowding and Lawrence ministries in Western Australia, and was the first woman ever to sit in both the Western Australian Legislative Assembly and the... , BSW Social work Social Work is a professional and academic discipline that seeks to improve the quality of life and wellbeing of an individual, group, or community by intervening through research, policy, community organizing, direct practice, and teaching on behalf of those afflicted with poverty or any real or... , JP, MLC |
Honorary Minister assisting the Ministers for Transport and Small Business (until 12 May 1986) (from 12 May 1986:)
|
Gavan Troy, B Bus, AFAIM, JP, MLA |
|
(Until 25 July 1986:) Honorary Minister assisting the Ministers for Water Resources, The North West and Aboriginal Affairs (From 25 July 1986:)
|
Ernie Bridge Ernie Bridge Ernest Frances "Ernie" Bridge is an Australian politician and country music singer. He was a member of the Western Australian Legislative Assembly from 1980 to 2001, representing the electorate of Kimberley, first as an Australian Labor Party representative and then as an independent MP... , MLA |
|
(12 May-25 July 1986:) Honorary Minister assisting the Ministers for Police and Emergency Services and Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs (From 25 July 1986:)
|
Gordon Hill, JP, MLA (from 12 May 1986) |
| Minister for Sport and Recreation | Graham Edwards Graham Edwards (politician) Graham John Edwards , Australian politician, was an Australian Labor Party member of the Australian House of Representatives from 1998 to 2007, representing the Division of Cowan.... , MLC (from 16 March 1987) |
- On 12 May 1986, Arthur TonkinArthur TonkinArthur Edward Joseph Tonkin was an Australian national representative rugby union player who featured in the 1947-48 Wallaby tour of the British Isles.-Early life:...
, the minister for Police and Emergency Services and Water Resources, resigned from the Ministry. In the resulting reshuffle, Gavan Troy, previously an Honorary Minister, was appointed to the Ministry, whilst Gordon Hill was made an honorary minister. - On 25 July 1986, the Ministry was officially expanded to 17, with the two Honorary Ministers assuming the portfolios they had previously assisted.
- On 16 March 1987, Des Dans resigned from the Ministry, and fellow MLC Graham EdwardsGraham Edwards (politician)Graham John Edwards , Australian politician, was an Australian Labor Party member of the Australian House of Representatives from 1998 to 2007, representing the Division of Cowan....
was appointed in his place. Kay HallahanKay HallahanElsie Kay Hallahan , commonly known as Kay Hallahan, is an Australian politician. A member of the Labor Party, she served as a minister in the Burke, Dowding and Lawrence ministries in Western Australia, and was the first woman ever to sit in both the Western Australian Legislative Assembly and the...
was promoted in seniority from 14th to 4th within the Cabinet.