Court Ministry
Encyclopedia
The Court Ministry was the 27th Ministry of the Government of Western Australia
, led by Liberal
Premier Sir Charles Court
and deputy Des O'Neil (Ray O'Connor
replaced O'Neil following his retirement in 1980). It commenced on 5 June 1975, following the Court-McPharlin Ministry
, 15 months after the Coalition
's electoral defeat of the Tonkin
Labor
government. It was followed by the O'Connor Ministry
upon Court's retirement as Premier on 25 January 1982.
, withdrew from the Coalition. At the time, three Ministers had been members of the NCP. In the ensuing negotiations which included visits from Federal Country Party leader Doug Anthony
and Queensland Premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen
, Dick Old replaced McPharlin as state party leader. The Coalition recommenced on 31 May. Court felt that Old had insufficient experience to become Deputy Premier, so while the Government was based on a Liberal-NCP coalition until its defeat by Labor in 1983, both the Premier and Deputy positions were held by members of the parliamentary Liberal Party.
The Ministry was reconstituted three times - first on 10 March 1977, following the 1977 election
; on 25 August 1978 after a portfolio reshuffle; and finally on 5 March 1980 following the 1980 election
.
The 1977 election, which expanded the Legislative Assembly
from 51 to 55 members, saw the Liberal Party gain four seats and come within one seat of being able to govern in their own right. The NCP made the abolition of probate
on estates passing to a spouse a condition of forming a coalition with the Liberals. This change in government policy was announced by the Premier after the election. However, due to a reduction in the numbers of NCP members in the Parliament, the NCP's allocation of Ministerial positions in the 13-member Ministry, went from 3 to 2, with the loss of Norm Baxter. Neil McNeill
retired from the Ministry, allowing Ian Medcalf to be appointed Attorney-General
.
On 24 July 1978, Bill Grayden
resigned from the Ministry after pleading guilty to two charges of unlawful assault on police officers, and one of unlawful damage to a police car. Ray O'Connor
was appointed as Acting Minister covering all three of Grayden's portfolios and was formally sworn in by the Governor on 7 August 1978. Ray Young
was promoted to the Ministry. A number of significant portfolio changes occurred on 25 August 1978, resulting from a split within the NCP leading to half of its MP's, along with its state president, forming a breakaway National Party. Both of the NCP Ministers stayed with the original party.
The 1980 election, which saw little parliamentary change other than the defeat of Housing Minister Alan Ridge in his Kimberley
seat and the retirement of Deputy Premier Des O'Neil from politics, preceded another reconstitution of the Ministry. Ray O'Connor
, who had been a member of parliament since 1959, was promoted to the Deputy Premiership whilst two new Ministers were appointed and two Honorary Ministers were appointed. The Government failed to enact legislation which would have amended the Constitution to allow an expansion of the Ministry to 15, on account of maverick Liberal MLA Dr Tom Dadour and the National Party opposing the measure.
On 18 December 1981, Sir Charles Court
, then 70 years of age, announced his decision that he would step down as Premier on 25 January 1982. The ministry ended on that date and was succeeded by the O'Connor Ministry
.
, designated 12 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 10 March 1977. An honorary minister was appointed two weeks later; following the assent of the Constitution Acts Amendment Act (No.4) 1975 (No.86 of 1975) on 20 November 1975, the Ministry grew to 13 members and Ian Medcalf was formally appointed on 22 December.
The list below is ordered by decreasing seniority within the Cabinet, as indicated by the Government Gazette and the Hansard index. Blue entries indicate members of the Liberal Party, whilst green entries indicate members of the National Country Party. The members of the Ministry were:
, designated 13 principal executive offices of the Government under section 43(2) of the Constitution Acts Amendment Act 1899 and appointed the ministers to the positions.
On 24 July 1978, Bill Grayden
resigned from the Ministry. Ray O'Connor
was appointed the Acting Minister for all three portfolios, and was sworn into them on 7 August 1978. Ray Young
was also promoted to the Ministry at this time. These arrangements stayed in place until the 25 August reshuffle.
, designated 13 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 5 March 1980 following the 1980 state election
.
, designated 13 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 end of the Ministry on 25 January 1982, when the O'Connor Ministry
was formed by Deputy Premier Ray O'Connor
upon the Premier's retirement.
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 Liberal
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...
Premier Sir Charles Court
Charles Court
Sir Charles Walter Michael Court, was a Western Australian politician, 21st Premier of Western Australia and member for the seat of Nedlands for the Liberal Party for nearly 30 years.-Early life:...
and deputy Des O'Neil (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...
replaced O'Neil following his retirement in 1980). It commenced on 5 June 1975, following the Court-McPharlin Ministry
Court-McPharlin Ministry
The Court-McPharlin Ministry was the 26th Ministry of the Government of Western Australia, and was led by Liberal Premier Sir Charles Court and his deputy, National Country Party leader Ray McPharlin. It succeeded the Tonkin ministry on 8 April 1974, following the defeat of the Labor government at...
, 15 months after the Coalition
Coalition (Australia)
The Coalition in Australian politics refers to a group of centre-right parties that has existed in the form of a coalition agreement since 1922...
's electoral defeat of the Tonkin
Tonkin Ministry (Western Australia)
The Tonkin Ministry was the 25th Ministry of the Government of Western Australia, led by Labor Premier John Tonkin and deputy Herb Graham . It commenced on 3 March 1971, eleven days after the Brand-Nalder Ministry, led by Premier David Brand of the Liberal Party, was defeated at the 1971 election...
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...
government. It was followed by 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...
upon Court's retirement as Premier on 25 January 1982.
Overview
On 20 May 1975, the National Country Party (NCP), led by Ray McPharlinRay McPharlin
Walter Raymond "Ray" McPharlin was the Country Party member for Mount Marshall in the Western Australian Legislative Assembly from 1967 to 1983....
, withdrew from the Coalition. At the time, three Ministers had been members of the NCP. In the ensuing negotiations which included visits from Federal Country Party leader Doug Anthony
Doug Anthony
John Douglas Anthony, AC, CH , is a former Australian politician. He was leader of the National Party from 1971 to 1984, and Deputy Prime Minister from 1971 to 1972 and again from 1975 to 1983.-Early life:...
and Queensland Premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen
Joh Bjelke-Petersen
Sir Johannes "Joh" Bjelke-Petersen, KCMG , was an Australian politician. He was the longest-serving and longest-lived Premier of Queensland, holding office from 1968 to 1987, a period that saw considerable economic development in the state...
, Dick Old replaced McPharlin as state party leader. The Coalition recommenced on 31 May. Court felt that Old had insufficient experience to become Deputy Premier, so while the Government was based on a Liberal-NCP coalition until its defeat by Labor in 1983, both the Premier and Deputy positions were held by members of the parliamentary Liberal Party.
The Ministry was reconstituted three times - first on 10 March 1977, following the 1977 election
Western Australian state election, 1977
Elections were held in the state of Western Australia on 19 February 1977 to elect all 55 members to the Legislative Assembly and 17 members to the 32-seat Legislative Council...
; on 25 August 1978 after a portfolio reshuffle; and finally on 5 March 1980 following the 1980 election
Western Australian state election, 1980
Elections were held in the state of Western Australia on 23 February 1980 to elect all 55 members to the Legislative Assembly and 16 members to the 32-seat Legislative Council...
.
The 1977 election, which expanded the Legislative Assembly
Western Australian Legislative Assembly
The Legislative Assembly, or lower house, is one of the two chambers of parliament in the Australian state of Western Australia. It sits in Parliament House in the state capital, Perth....
from 51 to 55 members, saw the Liberal Party gain four seats and come within one seat of being able to govern in their own right. The NCP made the abolition of probate
Probate
Probate is the legal process of administering the estate of a deceased person by resolving all claims and distributing the deceased person's property under the valid will. A probate court decides the validity of a testator's will...
on estates passing to a spouse a condition of forming a coalition with the Liberals. This change in government policy was announced by the Premier after the election. However, due to a reduction in the numbers of NCP members in the Parliament, the NCP's allocation of Ministerial positions in the 13-member Ministry, went from 3 to 2, with the loss of Norm Baxter. Neil McNeill
Neil McNeill
Neil McNeill was an Australian politician. Born in Yarloop, Western Australia, he was educated at Scotch College, Perth, and the University of Western Australia, after which he became a farmer. He served in the military in 1945, and returned to become a district officer with the Western Australian...
retired from the Ministry, allowing Ian Medcalf to be appointed 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...
.
On 24 July 1978, Bill Grayden
Bill Grayden
William Leonard "Bill" Grayden AM was an Australian politician. Born in Perth, Western Australia, he was educated at state schools and then at Perth Technical College, becoming a mechanical engineer. He served in the military from 1940-1946...
resigned from the Ministry after pleading guilty to two charges of unlawful assault on police officers, and one of unlawful damage to a police car. 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...
was appointed as Acting Minister covering all three of Grayden's portfolios and was formally sworn in by the Governor on 7 August 1978. Ray Young
Ray Young (politician)
Raymond Laurence Young was an Australian politician. He was a Liberal member of the Western Australian Legislative Assembly from 1971 to 1983....
was promoted to the Ministry. A number of significant portfolio changes occurred on 25 August 1978, resulting from a split within the NCP leading to half of its MP's, along with its state president, forming a breakaway National Party. Both of the NCP Ministers stayed with the original party.
The 1980 election, which saw little parliamentary change other than the defeat of Housing Minister Alan Ridge in his Kimberley
Electoral district of Kimberley
-External links:* ABC Election Profiles: * WAEC District Maps:...
seat and the retirement of Deputy Premier Des O'Neil from politics, preceded another reconstitution of the Ministry. 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...
, who had been a member of parliament since 1959, was promoted to the Deputy Premiership whilst two new Ministers were appointed and two Honorary Ministers were appointed. The Government failed to enact legislation which would have amended the Constitution to allow an expansion of the Ministry to 15, on account of maverick Liberal MLA Dr Tom Dadour and the National Party opposing the measure.
On 18 December 1981, Sir Charles Court
Charles Court
Sir Charles Walter Michael Court, was a Western Australian politician, 21st Premier of Western Australia and member for the seat of Nedlands for the Liberal Party for nearly 30 years.-Early life:...
, then 70 years of age, announced his decision that he would step down as Premier on 25 January 1982. The ministry ended on that date and was succeeded by 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...
.
First Ministry
On 5 June 1975, the Governor, Air Commodore Sir Hughie EdwardsHughie Edwards
Air Commodore Sir Hughie Idwal Edwards VC, KCMG, CB, DSO, OBE, DFC was a senior officer in the Royal Air Force, Governor of Western Australia, and an Australian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest decoration for gallantry "in the face of the enemy" that can be awarded to members of the...
, designated 12 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 10 March 1977. An honorary minister was appointed two weeks later; following the assent of the Constitution Acts Amendment Act (No.4) 1975 (No.86 of 1975) on 20 November 1975, the Ministry grew to 13 members and Ian Medcalf was formally appointed on 22 December.
The list below is ordered by decreasing seniority within the Cabinet, as indicated by the Government Gazette and the Hansard index. Blue entries indicate members of the Liberal Party, whilst green entries indicate members of the National Country Party. The members of the 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 Minister for Federal Affairs (until 22 December 1975) |
Sir Charles Court Charles Court Sir Charles Walter Michael Court, was a Western Australian politician, 21st Premier of Western Australia and member for the seat of Nedlands for the Liberal Party for nearly 30 years.-Early life:... , OBE Order of the British Empire The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is an order of chivalry established on 4 June 1917 by George V of the United Kingdom. The Order comprises five classes in civil and military divisions... , Dip.Acctg., FCA, FICS, FASA, 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 Works Minister for Water Supplies Minister for the North-West |
Des O'Neil, DipEd, MLA |
Chief Secretary Minister for Justice Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council |
Neil McNeill Neil McNeill Neil McNeill was an Australian politician. Born in Yarloop, Western Australia, he was educated at Scotch College, Perth, and the University of Western Australia, after which he became a farmer. He served in the military in 1945, and returned to become a district officer with the Western Australian... , BSc (Agric), MLC |
Minister for Agriculture |
Dick Old, MLA |
Minister for Transport Minister for Police Minister for Traffic |
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... , 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 Cultural Affairs Minister for Recreation |
Graham MacKinnon, ED, JP, MLC |
Minister for Labour and Industry Minister for Consumer Affairs Minister for Immigration |
Bill Grayden Bill Grayden William Leonard "Bill" Grayden AM was an Australian politician. Born in Perth, Western Australia, he was educated at state schools and then at Perth Technical College, becoming a mechanical engineer. He served in the military from 1940-1946... , MLA |
Minister for Industrial Development Minister for Mines Minister for Fuel and Energy |
Andrew Mensaros Andrew Mensaros Andrew Mensaros, , was a politician in Western Australia. Born in Hungary, and educated at the University of Budapest. A member of the Liberal Party of Australia, he served as a member of the Western Australian Legislative Assembly for the division of Floreat from 1968 until his death in 1991... , MLA |
Minister for Local Government Minister for Urban Development and Town Planning |
Cyril Rushton, MLA |
Minister for Lands Minister for Forests Minister for Tourism |
Alan Ridge, MLA |
Minister for Health Minister for Community Welfare |
Norm Baxter, MLC |
Minister for Housing Minister for Conservation and Environment Minister for Fisheries and Wildlife |
Peter Jones, MLA |
Honorary Minister (19 June 1975–22 December 1975) Minister for Federal Affairs (from 22 December 1975) |
Ian Medcalf, ED, QC, 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 |
Second Ministry
On 10 March 1977, the Governor, Air Chief Marshal Sir Wallace KyleWallace Kyle
Air Chief Marshal Sir Wallace Hart Kyle GCB, KCVO, CBE, DSO, DFC, RAF was a senior Royal Air Force commander and the Governor of Western Australia from 1975 to 1980.-Career:...
, designated 13 principal executive offices of the Government under section 43(2) of the Constitution Acts Amendment Act 1899 and appointed the ministers to the positions.
On 24 July 1978, Bill Grayden
Bill Grayden
William Leonard "Bill" Grayden AM was an Australian politician. Born in Perth, Western Australia, he was educated at state schools and then at Perth Technical College, becoming a mechanical engineer. He served in the military from 1940-1946...
resigned from the Ministry. 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...
was appointed the Acting Minister for all three portfolios, and was sworn into them on 7 August 1978. Ray Young
Ray Young (politician)
Raymond Laurence Young was an Australian politician. He was a Liberal member of the Western Australian Legislative Assembly from 1971 to 1983....
was also promoted to the Ministry at this time. These arrangements stayed in place until the 25 August reshuffle.
| 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 |
Sir Charles Court Charles Court Sir Charles Walter Michael Court, was a Western Australian politician, 21st Premier of Western Australia and member for the seat of Nedlands for the Liberal Party for nearly 30 years.-Early life:... , OBE Order of the British Empire The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is an order of chivalry established on 4 June 1917 by George V of the United Kingdom. The Order comprises five classes in civil and military divisions... , Dip.Acctg., FCA, FICS, FASA, 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... Chief Secretary Minister for Police and Traffic Minister for Regional Administration Minister for the North-West |
Des O'Neil, DipEd, MLA |
Minister for Agriculture |
Dick Old, MLA |
Minister for Fisheries and Wildlife Minister for Tourism Minister for Conservation and Environment Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council |
Graham MacKinnon, ED, JP, MLC |
Minister for Works Minister for Water Supplies Minister for Housing (from 7 August 1978, acting from 24 July:)
|
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... , MLA |
|
Minister for Labour and Industry Minister for Consumer Affairs Minister for Immigration |
Bill Grayden Bill Grayden William Leonard "Bill" Grayden AM was an Australian politician. Born in Perth, Western Australia, he was educated at state schools and then at Perth Technical College, becoming a mechanical engineer. He served in the military from 1940-1946... , MLA (until 24 July 1978) |
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 Federal Affairs |
Ian Medcalf, ED, QC, 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 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 Cultural Affairs Minister for Recreation |
Peter Jones, MLA |
Minister for Industrial Development Minister for Mines Minister for Fuel and Energy |
Andrew Mensaros Andrew Mensaros Andrew Mensaros, , was a politician in Western Australia. Born in Hungary, and educated at the University of Budapest. A member of the Liberal Party of Australia, he served as a member of the Western Australian Legislative Assembly for the division of Floreat from 1968 until his death in 1991... , MLA |
Minister for Local Government Minister for Urban Development and Town Planning |
Cyril Rushton, MLA |
Minister for Health Minister for Community Welfare |
Alan Ridge, MLA |
Minister for Transport |
David Wordsworth, MLC |
Minister for Lands and Forests |
June Craig, MLA |
Minister without portfolio |
Ray Young Ray Young (politician) Raymond Laurence Young was an Australian politician. He was a Liberal member of the Western Australian Legislative Assembly from 1971 to 1983.... , MLA (from 7 August 1978) |
Third Ministry
On 25 August 1978, the Governor, Air Chief Marshal Sir Wallace KyleWallace Kyle
Air Chief Marshal Sir Wallace Hart Kyle GCB, KCVO, CBE, DSO, DFC, RAF was a senior Royal Air Force commander and the Governor of Western Australia from 1975 to 1980.-Career:...
, designated 13 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 5 March 1980 following the 1980 state election
Western Australian state election, 1980
Elections were held in the state of Western Australia on 23 February 1980 to elect all 55 members to the Legislative Assembly and 16 members to the 32-seat Legislative Council...
.
| 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 |
Sir Charles Court Charles Court Sir Charles Walter Michael Court, was a Western Australian politician, 21st Premier of Western Australia and member for the seat of Nedlands for the Liberal Party for nearly 30 years.-Early life:... , OBE Order of the British Empire The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is an order of chivalry established on 4 June 1917 by George V of the United Kingdom. The Order comprises five classes in civil and military divisions... , Dip.Acctg., FCA, FICS, FASA, 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... Chief Secretary Minister for Police and Traffic Minister for Regional Administration Minister for the North-West |
Des O'Neil, DipEd, MLA |
Minister for Agriculture |
Dick Old, MLA |
Minister for Works Minister for Water Supplies Minister for Tourism Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council |
Graham MacKinnon, ED, JP, MLC |
Minister for Labour and Industry Minister for Consumer Affairs Minister for Immigration Minister for Fisheries and Wildlife Minister for Conservation and Environment |
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... , MLA |
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 Federal Affairs |
Ian Medcalf, ED, QC, 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 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 Cultural Affairs Minister for Recreation |
Peter Jones, MLA |
Minister for Industrial Development Minister for Mines Minister for Fuel and Energy |
Andrew Mensaros Andrew Mensaros Andrew Mensaros, , was a politician in Western Australia. Born in Hungary, and educated at the University of Budapest. A member of the Liberal Party of Australia, he served as a member of the Western Australian Legislative Assembly for the division of Floreat from 1968 until his death in 1991... , MLA |
Minister for Transport |
Cyril Rushton, MLA |
Minister for Housing |
Alan Ridge, MLA |
Minister for Lands and Forests |
David Wordsworth, MLC |
Minister for Local Government Minister for Urban Development and Town Planning |
June Craig, MLA |
Minister for Health Minister for Community Welfare |
Ray Young Ray Young (politician) Raymond Laurence Young was an Australian politician. He was a Liberal member of the Western Australian Legislative Assembly from 1971 to 1983.... , MLA |
Fourth Ministry
On 5 March 1980, the Governor, Air Chief Marshal Sir Wallace KyleWallace Kyle
Air Chief Marshal Sir Wallace Hart Kyle GCB, KCVO, CBE, DSO, DFC, RAF was a senior Royal Air Force commander and the Governor of Western Australia from 1975 to 1980.-Career:...
, designated 13 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 end of the Ministry on 25 January 1982, when 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...
was formed by Deputy 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...
upon the Premier's retirement.
| 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 |
Sir Charles Court Charles Court Sir Charles Walter Michael Court, was a Western Australian politician, 21st Premier of Western Australia and member for the seat of Nedlands for the Liberal Party for nearly 30 years.-Early life:... , OBE Order of the British Empire The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is an order of chivalry established on 4 June 1917 by George V of the United Kingdom. The Order comprises five classes in civil and military divisions... , Dip.Acctg., FCA, FICS, FASA, 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 Labour and Industry Minister for Consumer Affairs Minister for Immigration (until 12 February 1981:)
|
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... , MLA |
|
Minister for Agriculture |
Dick Old, MLA |
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 Federal Affairs Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council |
Ian Medcalf, ED, QC, 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 Works Minister for Water Resources Minister assisting the Minister Co-ordinating Economic and Social Development Minister for Housing (until 12 February 1981) |
Andrew Mensaros Andrew Mensaros Andrew Mensaros, , was a politician in Western Australia. Born in Hungary, and educated at the University of Budapest. A member of the Liberal Party of Australia, he served as a member of the Western Australian Legislative Assembly for the division of Floreat from 1968 until his death in 1991... , MLA |
Minister for Resources Development Minister for Mines Minister for Fuel and Energy Minister for Industrial Development and Commerce (from 12 February 1981:)
|
Peter Jones, MLA |
|
Minister for Transport |
Cyril Rushton, MLA |
Minister for Health |
Ray Young Ray Young (politician) Raymond Laurence Young was an Australian politician. He was a Liberal member of the Western Australian Legislative Assembly from 1971 to 1983.... , 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 Cultural Affairs Minister for Recreation |
Bill Grayden Bill Grayden William Leonard "Bill" Grayden AM was an Australian politician. Born in Perth, Western Australia, he was educated at state schools and then at Perth Technical College, becoming a mechanical engineer. He served in the military from 1940-1946... , MLA |
Minister for Lands and Forests |
David Wordsworth, MLC |
Minister for Local Government Minister for Urban Development and Town Planning |
June Craig, MLA |
Chief Secretary Minister for Police and Traffic Minister for Community Welfare |
Bill Hassell, LL.B., MA Master of Arts (postgraduate) A Master of Arts from the Latin Magister Artium, is a type of Master's degree awarded by universities in many countries. The M.A. is usually contrasted with the M.S. or M.Sc. degrees... , MLA |
Minister for Fisheries and Wildlife Minister for Conservation and Environment |
Gordon Masters, MLC |
Honorary Minister assisting the Ministers for Housing, Regional Administration, North West and Tourism |
Ian Laurance, Dip.Teach, BA, FAIM, MLA |
Honorary Minister assisting the Minister for Industrial Development and Commerce |
Barry MacKinnon, BEc, Dip.Acctg, FASA, MLA |
Listed by name and portfolio
| Minister | Office | Appointed | Ended |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baxter, Norm (MLC) | Minister for Health | 5 June 1975 | 10 March 1977 |
| Baxter, Norm (MLC) | Minister for Community Welfare | 5 June 1975 | 10 March 1977 |
| Court, Charles Charles Court Sir Charles Walter Michael Court, was a Western Australian politician, 21st Premier of Western Australia and member for the seat of Nedlands for the Liberal Party for nearly 30 years.-Early life:... (MLA) |
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... |
5 June 1975 | 25 January 1982 |
| Court, Charles (MLA) | Minister Co-ordinating Economic and Social Development | 5 June 1975 | 25 January 1982 |
| Court, Charles (MLA) | Minister for Federal Affairs | 5 June 1975 | 22 December 1975 |
| Craig, June (MLA) | Minister for Lands and Forests | 10 March 1977 | 25 August 1978 |
| Craig, June (MLA) | Minister for Local Government | 25 August 1978 | 25 January 1982 |
| Craig, June (MLA) | Minister for Urban Development and Town Planning | 25 August 1978 | 25 January 1982 |
| Grayden, Bill Bill Grayden William Leonard "Bill" Grayden AM was an Australian politician. Born in Perth, Western Australia, he was educated at state schools and then at Perth Technical College, becoming a mechanical engineer. He served in the military from 1940-1946... (MLA) |
Minister for Labour and Industry | 5 June 1975 | 24 July 1978 |
| Grayden, Bill (MLA) | Minister for Consumer Affairs | 5 June 1975 | 24 July 1978 |
| Grayden, Bill (MLA) | Minister for Immigration | 5 June 1975 | 24 July 1978 |
| Grayden, Bill (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... |
5 March 1980 | 25 January 1982 |
| Grayden, Bill (MLA) | Minister for Cultural Affairs | 5 March 1980 | 25 January 1982 |
| Grayden, Bill (MLA) | Minister for Recreation | 5 March 1980 | 25 January 1982 |
| Hassell, Bill (MLA) | Chief Secretary | 5 March 1980 | 25 January 1982 |
| Hassell, Bill (MLA) | Minister for Police and Traffic | 5 March 1980 | 25 January 1982 |
| Hassell, Bill (MLA) | Minister for Community Welfare | 5 March 1980 | 25 January 1982 |
| Jones, Peter (MLA) | Minister for Housing | 5 June 1975 | 10 March 1977 |
| Jones, Peter (MLA) | Minister for Conservation and Environment | 5 June 1975 | 10 March 1977 |
| Jones, Peter (MLA) | Minister for Fisheries and Wildlife | 5 June 1975 | 10 March 1977 |
| Jones, Peter (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... |
10 March 1977 | 5 March 1980 |
| Jones, Peter (MLA) | Minister for Cultural Affairs | 10 March 1977 | 5 March 1980 |
| Jones, Peter (MLA) | Minister for Recreation | 10 March 1977 | 5 March 1980 |
| Jones, Peter (MLA) | Minister for Regional Administration | 12 February 1981 | 25 January 1982 |
| Jones, Peter (MLA) | Minister for the North-West | 12 February 1981 | 25 January 1982 |
| Jones, Peter (MLA) | Minister for Tourism | 12 February 1981 | 25 January 1982 |
| Jones, Peter (MLA) | Minister for Resources Development | 5 March 1980 | 25 January 1982 |
| Jones, Peter (MLA) | Minister for Mines | 5 March 1980 | 25 January 1982 |
| Jones, Peter (MLA) | Minister for Fuel and Energy | 5 March 1980 | 25 January 1982 |
| Jones, Peter (MLA) | Minister for Industrial Development and Commerce | 5 March 1980 | 25 January 1982 |
| Jones, Peter (MLA) | Minister for Housing | 12 February 1981 | 25 January 1982 |
| Laurance, Ian (MLA) | Honorary Minister | 5 March 1980 | 25 January 1982 |
| MacKinnon, Barry (MLA) | Honorary Minister | 5 March 1980 | 25 January 1982 |
| MacKinnon, Graham (MLC) | 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... |
5 June 1975 | 10 March 1977 |
| MacKinnon, Graham (MLC) | Minister for Cultural Affairs | 5 June 1975 | 10 March 1977 |
| MacKinnon, Graham (MLC) | Minister for Recreation | 5 June 1975 | 10 March 1977 |
| MacKinnon, Graham (MLC) | Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council | 10 March 1977 | 5 March 1980 |
| MacKinnon, Graham (MLC) | Minister for Fisheries and Wildlife | 10 March 1977 | 25 August 1978 |
| MacKinnon, Graham (MLC) | Minister for Conservation and Environment | 10 March 1977 | 25 August 1978 |
| MacKinnon, Graham (MLC) | Minister for Works | 10 March 1977 | 5 March 1980 |
| MacKinnon, Graham (MLC) | Minister for Water Supplies | 25 August 1978 | 5 March 1980 |
| MacKinnon, Graham (MLC) | Minister for Tourism | 25 August 1978 | 5 March 1980 |
| McNeill, Neil Neil McNeill Neil McNeill was an Australian politician. Born in Yarloop, Western Australia, he was educated at Scotch College, Perth, and the University of Western Australia, after which he became a farmer. He served in the military in 1945, and returned to become a district officer with the Western Australian... (MLC) |
Chief Secretary | 5 June 1975 | 10 March 1977 |
| McNeill, Neil (MLC) | Minister for Justice | 5 June 1975 | 10 March 1977 |
| McNeill, Neil (MLC) | Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council | 5 June 1975 | 10 March 1977 |
| Masters, Gordon | Minister for Fisheries and Wildlife | 5 March 1980 | 25 January 1982 |
| Masters, Gordon (MLC) | Minister for Conservation and Environment | 5 March 1980 | 25 January 1982 |
| Medcalf, Ian (MLC) | Honorary Minister | 19 June 1975 | 22 December 1975 |
| Medcalf, Ian (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... |
10 March 1977 | 25 January 1982 |
| Medcalf, Ian (MLC) | Minister for Federal Affairs | 22 December 1975 | 25 January 1982 |
| Medcalf, Ian (MLC) | Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council | 5 March 1980 | 25 January 1982 |
| Mensaros, Andrew Andrew Mensaros Andrew Mensaros, , was a politician in Western Australia. Born in Hungary, and educated at the University of Budapest. A member of the Liberal Party of Australia, he served as a member of the Western Australian Legislative Assembly for the division of Floreat from 1968 until his death in 1991... (MLA) |
Minister for Industrial Development | 5 June 1975 | 5 March 1980 |
| Mensaros, Andrew (MLA) | Minister for Mines | 5 June 1975 | 5 March 1980 |
| Mensaros, Andrew (MLA) | Minister for Fuel and Energy | 5 June 1975 | 5 March 1980 |
| Mensaros, Andrew (MLA) | Minister for Works | 5 March 1980 | 25 January 1982 |
| Mensaros, Andrew (MLA) | Minister for Water Supplies | 5 March 1980 | 25 January 1982 |
| Mensaros, Andrew (MLA) | Minister assisting the Minister Co-ordinating Economic and Social Development |
5 March 1980 | 25 January 1982 |
| Mensaros, Andrew (MLA) | Minister for Housing | 5 March 1980 | 12 February 1981 |
| O'Connor, Ray 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... (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... |
5 March 1980 | 25 January 1982 |
| O'Connor, Ray (MLA) | Minister for Transport | 5 June 1975 | 10 March 1977 |
| O'Connor, Ray (MLA) | Minister for Police | 5 June 1975 | 10 March 1977 |
| O'Connor, Ray (MLA) | Minister for Traffic | 5 June 1975 | 10 March 1977 |
| O'Connor, Ray (MLA) | Minister for Works | 10 March 1977 | 25 August 1978 |
| O'Connor, Ray (MLA) | Minister for Water Supplies | 10 March 1977 | 25 August 1978 |
| O'Connor, Ray (MLA) | Minister for Housing | 10 March 1977 | 25 August 1978 |
| O'Connor, Ray (MLA) | Minister for Labour and Industry | 7 August 1978 | 25 January 1982 |
| O'Connor, Ray (MLA) | Minister for Consumer Affairs | 7 August 1978 | 25 January 1982 |
| O'Connor, Ray (MLA) | Minister for Immigration | 7 August 1978 | 25 January 1982 |
| O'Connor, Ray (MLA) | Minister for Fisheries and Wildlife | 25 August 1978 | 5 March 1980 |
| O'Connor, Ray (MLA) | Minister for Conservation and Environment | 25 August 1978 | 5 March 1980 |
| O'Connor, Ray (MLA) | Minister for Regional Administration | 5 March 1980 | 12 February 1981 |
| O'Connor, Ray (MLA) | Minister for the North-West | 5 March 1980 | 12 February 1981 |
| O'Connor, Ray (MLA) | Minister for Tourism | 5 March 1980 | 12 February 1981 |
| O'Neil, Des (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... |
5 June 1975 | 5 March 1980 |
| Old, Dick (MLA) | Minister for Agriculture | 5 June 1975 | 25 January 1982 |
| O'Neil, Des (MLA) | Chief Secretary | 10 March 1977 | 5 March 1980 |
| O'Neil, Des (MLA) | Minister for Police and Traffic | 10 March 1977 | 5 March 1980 |
| O'Neil, Des (MLA) | Minister for Regional Administration | 10 March 1977 | 5 March 1980 |
| O'Neil, Des (MLA) | Minister for Water Supplies | 5 June 1975 | 10 March 1977 |
| O'Neil, Des (MLA) | Minister for Works | 5 June 1975 | 10 March 1977 |
| O'Neil, Des (MLA) | Minister for the North-West | 5 June 1975 | 5 March 1980 |
| Ridge, Alan (MLA) | Minister for Lands | 5 June 1975 | 10 March 1977 |
| Ridge, Alan (MLA) | Minister for Forests | 5 June 1975 | 10 March 1977 |
| Ridge, Alan (MLA) | Minister for Tourism | 5 June 1975 | 10 March 1977 |
| Ridge, Alan (MLA) | Minister for Health | 10 March 1977 | 25 August 1978 |
| Ridge, Alan (MLA) | Minister for Community Welfare | 10 March 1977 | 25 August 1978 |
| Ridge, Alan (MLA) | Minister for Housing | 25 August 1978 | 5 March 1980 |
| Rushton, Cyril (MLA) | Minister for Local Government | 5 June 1975 | 25 August 1978 |
| Rushton, Cyril (MLA) | Minister for Urban Development and Town Planning | 5 June 1975 | 25 August 1978 |
| Rushton, Cyril (MLA) | Minister for Transport | 25 August 1978 | 25 January 1982 |
| Wordsworth, David (MLC) | Minister for Transport | 10 March 1977 | 25 August 1978 |
| Wordsworth, David (MLC) | Minister for Lands and Forests | 25 August 1978 | 25 January 1982 |
| Young, Ray Ray Young (politician) Raymond Laurence Young was an Australian politician. He was a Liberal member of the Western Australian Legislative Assembly from 1971 to 1983.... (MLA) |
Minister without portfolio | 7 August 1978 | 25 August 1978 |
| Young, Ray (MLA) | Minister for Health | 25 August 1978 | 25 January 1982 |
| Young, Ray (MLA) | Minister for Community Welfare | 25 August 1978 | 5 March 1980 |