Kimberley Politics Timelines
The Electoral District of Kimberley
Historical Overview
The Electoral District of Kimberley was a Legislative Assembly electorate in Western Australia from 1890 until 2008, when it was abolished in a redistribution of seats.
In 2013, a new Kimberley district was created, though with different boundaries.
Let’s walk through the Political Representation over time.
During this time, the seat changed hands between various political groups, including:
- Conrad Ockerby Darlot (1890-1897) – Ministerialist
- Frank Connor (1897-1904) – Oppositionists/Labor
- Sydney Stubbs (1904-1908) – Ministerialist
- Arthur Male (1908-1917) – Ministerialist/Liberal/Nationalist
- Alexander Thomson (1917-1929) – Nationalist
- Aubrey Coverley (1929-1947) – Labor
Labor Dominance (1947-1977)
From 1947 to 1977, the Kimberley seat was held consistently by Australian Labor Party representatives:
- Aubrey Coverley (continued until 1953)
- John Joseph “Jack” Rhatigan (1953-1968)
- Malcolm John “Tom” Evans (1968-1977)
Bridge Era & Transition (1977-2001)
- Alan Ridge (1977-1980) – Liberal
- Ernest Francis “Ernie” Bridge (1980-2001) – Initially Labor, later Independent from 1996
- In 1980, Ernie Bridge became the first Aboriginal person elected to WA Parliament
- In 1986, he became the first Aboriginal Cabinet Minister in any Australian government
Final Years of the Original Seat (2001-2008)
- Carol Martin (2001-2008) – Labor
- Carol Martin became the first Aboriginal woman elected to any Australian parliament
- She represented the seat until it was abolished in 2008
New Kimberley Seat (2013-Present)
- Josie Farrer (2013-2021) – Labor
- A Kija woman who championed Aboriginal recognition
- Divina D’Anna (2021-present) – Labor
- A Yawuru, Nimanburr, and Bardi woman continuing the strong tradition of Aboriginal representation
Federal representation
The Kimberley region has been included in various federal electorates over time:
- Division of Kalgoorlie (1901-2008)
- Division of Durack (2008-present)
The federal seats covering the Kimberley have generally been held by Liberal or National Party members, in contrast to the state-level representation which has leaned more toward Labor.
Let’s take a look at the Key Political Events and Issues.
- 1978-1980: The Noonkanbah dispute became a pivotal moment in Aboriginal rights when the Yungngora people opposed oil drilling on sacred sites
- 1990s: Following the Mabo decision, many Kimberley Aboriginal groups began native title claims
- 2000s-2010s: Multiple successful native title determinations across the Kimberley
Environmental Protection
- 1980s-1990s: Campaigns to protect the Fitzroy River
- 2005: Creation of the Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungles) World Heritage Area
- 2010s: Opposition to gas processing at James Price Point
- Ongoing: Debates over fracking and resource development
Service Delivery and Development
- 1960s-1970s: Growth of tourism industry
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- 1970s: Ord River Irrigation Scheme expansion
- 2000s: Royalties for Regions program investment
- Ongoing: Challenges in remote community service delivery
- Ongoing: Housing shortages and infrastructure needs
Indigenous Affairs
- 1960s: After gaining federal voting rights in 1962, increasing political participation
- 1967: Referendum with significant impact on Aboriginal affairs
- 1970s-1980s: Growth of community-controlled organizations
- 1990s: Establishment of the Kimberley Land Council’s formal role
- 2000s-present: Push for greater self-determination and representation