Governor of Western Australia facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Governor of Western Australia
Flag of the Governor
Badge of the governor
Incumbent Chris Dawson since 15 July 2022
Viceregal
Style	His Excellency the Honourable
Residence	Government House, Perth
Seat	Perth
Appointer	Monarch on the advice of the premier
Term length	At His Majesty's pleasure (usually 5 years by convention)
Formation	6 February 1832
First holder	Captain James Stirling

The governor of Western Australia is like a special representative for the King of Australia, King Charles III, right here in Western Australia. Think of them as the King's local helper. Just like governors in other Australian states, the Governor of Western Australia has important jobs. These jobs include official duties, special ceremonies, and helping the community.

What Does the Governor Do?

The Governor has several key roles in Western Australia. They make sure the government runs smoothly. Here are some of their main tasks:

• They lead meetings of the Executive Council. This group helps the government make big decisions.
• They can pause or end sessions of the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council. These are parts of the state's parliament.
• They announce when new elections will happen.
• They officially appoint important people. This includes Ministers, Judges, Magistrates, and Justices of the Peace.

Also, any new laws passed by the Parliament of Western Australia need the Governor's signature. This makes them official. However, the Governor almost always follows the advice of the Premier and their team. So, signing new laws is usually a formal step.

A Bit of History: Who Were the Governors?

For a long time, most governors of Western Australia came from Britain. This changed in 1948 when Sir James Mitchell became the first Australian-born Governor. After him, only three more British governors served. The last non-Australian governor was Rear-Admiral Sir Richard Trowbridge, who served from 1980 to 1983. Since then, all governors have been Australians.

How Do We Address the Governor?

While in office, the Governor of Western Australia is called "His Excellency" (if male) or "Her Excellency" (if female). This is a special way to show respect.

After their term ends, some former governors are given another special title: "The Honourable". This happened in 2014 for several past governors. It's a way to recognise their important service to the state.

The Governor's Special Flag

The Governor has their own special flag, called the Governor's standard. It looks a lot like the British blue flag. It has the Union Flag (the British flag) in the top left corner. On the right side, it shows Western Australia's state symbol: a black swan on a yellow circle. Above the swan is a crown, called the St. Edward's crown.

When this flag is flying at Government House, Perth, on a car, or at an event, it means the Governor is there. It's a clear sign that they are present.

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  This flag was used from 1870 to 1953.

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  This flag was used from 1953 to 1988.

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  This is the current flag, used since 1988.

Who is the Current Governor?

The current Governor of Western Australia is Chris Dawson. He started his role on 15 July 2022.

What About Lieutenant-Governors?

A lieutenant-governor is like a deputy or assistant to the Governor. They step in and do the Governor's job if the Governor is away or unable to perform their duties. The first person to act in this role was Captain Sir James Stirling. He later became the first official Governor.

Images for kids

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  Captain Sir James Stirling, the first Governor of Western Australia.

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  John Hutt, the second Governor.

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  Andrew Clarke, the third Governor.

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  Frederick Irwin, who acted as Governor.

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  Charles Fitzgerald, the fourth Governor.

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  Arthur Kennedy, the fifth Governor.

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  John Hampton, the sixth Governor.

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  Benjamin Pine, the seventh Governor.

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  Frederick Weld, the eighth Governor.

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  William Cleaver Francis Robinson, who served three times as Governor.

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  Harry Ord, the tenth Governor.

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  Frederick Broome, the eleventh Governor.

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  Gerard Smith, the twelfth Governor.

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  Arthur Lawley, 6th Baron Wenlock, the thirteenth Governor.

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  Frederick Bedford, the fourteenth Governor.

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  Gerald Strickland, 1st Baron Strickland, the fifteenth Governor.

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  Harry Barron, the sixteenth Governor.

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  William Ellison-Macartney, the seventeenth Governor.

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  Francis Newdegate, the eighteenth Governor.

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  William Campion, the nineteenth Governor.

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  Sir James Mitchell, the twentieth Governor and the first Australian-born.

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  Hughie Edwards, the twenty-third Governor.

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  Richard Trowbridge, the twenty-fifth Governor and the last non-Australian.

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  Michael Jeffery, the twenty-eighth Governor.

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  Ken Michael, the thirtieth Governor.

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  Malcolm McCusker, the thirty-first Governor.

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  Kerry Sanderson, the thirty-second Governor.

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  Kim Beazley, the thirty-third Governor.

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  Chris Dawson, the current Governor.