For a bill to become law, it must be passed by both the Legislative Council and the Legislative Assembly and be assented to by the state governor.
The party or coalition with the most seats in the Legislative Assembly is invited by the governor to form a government. The head of government has the title of Premier.
Western Australia first obtained responsible government in 1890, having previously been ruled since 1870 by a governor and a Legislative Council made up of appointed officials and elected members. The first premier was John Forrest who held office until 1901.