Less than half of the seats were contested and virtually all campaigns were fought on local issues, although a few candidates were endorsed by extraparliamentary organisations.

The election presented no threat to the government of Sir John Forrest, but its aftermath saw the establishment of a credible opposition for the first time, led by George Randell.

[1] In Perth, the major campaign issue was education – in particular, whether Catholic schools should be funded by the state.

Two extraparliamentary organisations were established on either side of the debate, with the Education Defence League (led by Thomas Molloy and Timothy Quinlan) in favour and the National Education League (led by George Randell) opposed.

[3] After the election, George Randell was chosen as Leader of the Opposition, and had this status acknowledged by Forrest.