How government works
The Government
Government (or Executive Government as it is formally known) in Western Australia includes the Cabinet, the Executive Council and the Public Sector. You can search for a Minister by name or portfolio on this site or download the full list of Cabinet members.
While Western Australia's constitutional laws provide for the Governor to act as Head of State, most of the Governor's constitutional powers are exercised on advice from Government Ministers, principally the Premier.
Parliament
Parliament sitting dates, detailed transcripts of Parliamentary business (Hansard), members and committees, bills, statutes and facts about the Parliamentary process can be found on the Western Australian Parliament website.
The public sector
The Western Australian public sector is a diverse group of approximately 130 employing agencies working to deliver services to the community. Opportunities to work with or join the public sector can be found by searching for:
- vacancies on the Western Australian Government Jobs Board
- current Western Australian tenders and contracts
More information on the management and coordination of the public sector can be found on the Public Sector Commission's website.
Accessing whole of government information
Below are some quick links to popular whole of government information sources.
State finances
The State Budget website includes both the current budget and previous years' budget information and fact sheets on significant budget issues.
Data
On the Western Australian Government data portal you can easily find, review and use open data and information - for example, to develop web applications.
Media statements
You can find out the latest ministerial announcements by viewing current and archived media statements by minister, portfolio or region.
Western Australian legislation
The Parliamentary Council’s Office is the official publisher of Western Australian legislation and statutory information, such as acts, legislation and bills. To purchase hard copy official version of legislation, you can visit the Parliamentary Counsel’s Office website for options.
Free online access to legislation is provided at www.legislation.wa.gov.au.
Details about Bills (a draft law / proposed Act of Parliament) are found on the WA Parliament website.
Freedom of information
Freedom of information gives the public a right to access government documents, subject to some limitations. Government agencies must help people to obtain access to documents at the lowest reasonable cost. The types of information you can request include paper records, plans and drawings, photographs, tape recordings, films, videotapes or information stored in a computerised form. Government agencies must help people to obtain access to documents at the lowest reasonable cost.
The Office of the Information Commissioner can provide further help on submitting a freedom of information request.
Grants and other assistance programs
The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries provides ongoing funding and one-off grants to non-government organisations and community groups through Western Australia. You can visit the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries website for more information on funded service areas, guidelines and application forms.
Contact government
If you wish to get in touch with the Premier, ministers, parliamentary secretaries, members of parliament or your local member, you may find the following resources helpful:
- listing of the Premier of Western Australian and Cabinet Ministers
- details of the current Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries
- listing of all current members of Parliament
Local and Federal Government information
Some information and services may be provided by either local governments or the Federal Government. You can search for this information using the:
