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The Legislative Assembly meets on 08/04/2025 (11:00 AM)
Assembly sit 08/04/2025
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Member Details
Hon. Ernest Francis Bridge OAM, MLA
JP
House:
Legislative Assembly
Party:
Independent
Speeches by Hon. Ernest Francis Bridge
Extract from the Western Australian Parliamentary Handbook
Extract from the Western Australian Parliamentary Handbook
Extract from the Western Australian Parliamentary Handbook
BRIDGE, Hon. Ernest Francis OAM, MLA
Member for Kimberley (23 February 1980 to 10 February 2001).
Independent (resigned from the Australian Labor Party on 27 July 1996).
PARLIAMENTARY SERVICE
Elected to the Thirtieth Parliament for Kimberley on 23 February 1980 in succession to Keith Alan Ridge (defeated). Re-elected 1983, 1986, 1989, 1993, 1996. Did not contest general election 10 February 2001.
Ministerial Appointments
Honorary Minister assisting the Ministers for Water Resources, The North-West; and Aboriginal Affairs 26 February – 25 July 1986. Minister for Water Resources, The North-West, Aboriginal Affairs, and Small Business (from 25 February 1988) 25 July 1986 – 28 February 1989. Minister for Agriculture, Water Resources and North West 28 February 1989 – 16 February 1993.
Shadow Ministerial Appointments
Shadow Minister for Trade (until 18 October 1994), Aboriginal Affairs, and The North West 16 February 1993 – 27 July 1996.
Select Committees/Royal Commissions
Member Royal Commission on the Welfare of Aborigines in Laverton Area 1975–1976. Member Select Committee on the Water Bill 7 May 1991 – 6 March 1992.
PERSONAL
Birth
Born 15 December 1936, Halls Creek, Western Australia.
Marital Status
Married.
Qualifications and Occupation before entering Parliament
Pastoralist and businessman.
ELECTORATE — SHORT DESCRIPTION
Kimberley is located in the Mining and Pastoral Region and includes the Shires of Broome, Derby/West Kimberley and Wyndham/East Kimberley. Enrolment (14 December 1996) 12,125; area 281,009 sq km.