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Western Australia was initially reluctant to federate with the other states of Australia. WA held back from agreeing to join the federation, as Premier and former explorer John Forrest wanted to ensure the economic security of the state, given its distance from the more highly populated eastern states. Being so isolated, he believed that Western Australia's interests would be compromised.

Western Australia itself was divided over the decision to join, as the people of Albany pushed to be included as part of South Australia, rather than aligning themselves with Perth and Fremantle. Despite this, Forrest's 31 July 1900 referendum on whether the Western Australians wished to join the rest of the commonwealth was largely accepted throughout the state.

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Why is Western Australia called Western Australia?

Because it is the western part of Australia


Who is the prime minister of Western Australia?

Western Australia is a state of Australia, and it does not have a Prime Minister, but a Premier. The 2013 premier of Western Australia is Colin Barnett.The position of Prime Minister is the one held by the leader of the entire nation.


Much of Western Australia is made up of what landform?

According to the CSIRO, 47.6% of Western Australia is made up of plateaux, that is, plains, hills, ranges and coastal plains in the most western region of the state. 30.4% of Western Australia is made up of sandy desert, whilst the Kimberley Ranges make up 9.9% of the state.


Which Australian state produces the most gold today?

Western Australia.


What fears did Western Australia have about federation?

Western Australia initially did not wish to federate because the state was guided by Premier and former explorer John Forrest, who held back on the agreement because he wanted to ensure the economic security of the state, given its distance from the more highly populated eastern states. Forrest believed that Western Australia's very distance from the rest of Australia's states would mean it would miss out on many of the trade benefits the eastern states would enjoy. Western Australia itself was divided over whether or not it should federate, as the people of Albany wanted to be included as part of South Australia, rather than aligning themselves with Perth and Fremantle. Despite this, Forrest's 31 July 1900 referendum on whether the Western Australians wished to join the rest of the commonwealth was resoundly accepted throughout the state.