After Western Australia gained responsible government in 1890, the office of Colonial Secretary became a ministerial portfolio.
The responsibilities of the office changed substantially, and it was no longer such an important role.
In 1917 the office of Colonial Secretary was described as being:[1] responsible for a large number of departments including [Aboriginals ...], Public Health, charities and many of the state trading concerns including the State Shipping Service.
The position required a great deal of detailed work and would always attract many Parliamentary Questions, but did not allow the minister much scope for initiative or achievement.Since Western Australia was no longer a British colony after 1901, the office of Colonial Secretary was misnamed after this date.
The following is a list of colonial secretaries of Western Australia: