Moore ministry (Western Australia) facts for kids

The Moore Ministry was a group of important leaders who helped run the government of Western Australia. It was led by Newton Moore, who was the Premier (like the head of the state government). This Ministry was the 9th group of leaders for Western Australia.

The Moore Ministry started on 7 May 1906. It took over from the Rason Ministry because the previous Premier, Frank Rason, resigned. He left his job to become the Agent-General for Western Australia in London, which is like being an ambassador for Western Australia in the United Kingdom.

The Moore Ministry lasted for over four years, ending on 16 September 1910. Newton Moore also resigned for the same reason as Rason – he became the Agent-General in London. After Moore left, the First Wilson Ministry took over.

Starting the Ministry: May 1906

When the Moore Ministry began on 7 May 1906, the Governor of Western Australia, Admiral Sir Frederick Bedford, officially chose six main government jobs. These jobs were set up under a law called the Constitution Acts Amendment Act 1899.

After this, different ministers were chosen to fill these important roles. They served in these positions until the Ministry was changed around on 30 June 1909.

Here are some of the key people and their jobs when the Ministry first started:

• Newton Moore was the Premier, the top leader. He was also the Minister for Lands, looking after land use. Later, he also became the Minister for Justice.
• Frank Wilson was in charge of several big areas. He was the Minister for Agriculture (farming), the Colonial Treasurer (managing money), and the Minister for Education (schools).
• Norbert Keenan was the Attorney-General, which means he was the chief legal advisor to the government. He held this job until May 1909.
• James Price was the Minister for Works, overseeing big building projects.
• Henry Gregory was the Minister for Mines (mining) and the Minister for Railways (trains).
• James Connolly was the Colonial Secretary (a very senior government role) and the Minister for Commerce and Labour (business and workers' rights).
• There were also ministers without a specific department, like Charles Piesse and later John Nanson.
• James Mitchell was an Honorary Minister for Lands and Agriculture, helping with those areas.

Changes in the Ministry: June 1909

On 30 June 1909, the Moore Ministry was reorganized. This happened after Norbert Keenan, the Attorney-General, resigned from his position. The ministers who were sworn in after this change continued to serve until the Ministry ended in September 1910.

Here are some of the main changes and roles after June 1909:

• Newton Moore remained the Premier and also took on the role of Colonial Treasurer, managing the state's money.
• James Mitchell became the Minister for Lands and the Minister for Agriculture, taking on more responsibility.
• John Nanson became the new Attorney-General and also the Minister for Education.
• Frank Wilson moved to become the Minister for Works.
• Henry Gregory continued as the Minister for Mines and Minister for Railways.
• James Connolly also continued as the Colonial Secretary and Minister for Commerce and Labour.
• James Price became a Minister without portfolio for a period.

This group of leaders worked together to make decisions and manage Western Australia until Premier Newton Moore resigned in 1910.