Wilkie served as an early member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly from 1857 to 1861, representing the districts of West Bourke and Polwarth & South Grenville.
In 1863, Wilkie, Kilner & Company opened at 174 Queen Street, Melbourne, and specialised in manufacturing pianos from native Australian timbers, as well as importing international models, until 1866.
[2] In 1856, Wilkie nominated as a candidate for the inaugural Victorian Legislative Assembly to represent the electoral district of West Bourke.
[4] Electors of West Bourke petitioned Wilkie to return to represent his former district, but he declined, re-nominating for Polwarth and South Grenville,[5] although he was defeated at the 1861 election by William Nixon.
[9] In May 1871, Wilkie's barrister applied to the Supreme Court of Victoria for leave to return him to England which was thought would be beneficial for his treatment.