Richard Robson (politician)

Richard Robson (15 March 1867 – 30 November 1928) was a member of the Western Australian Legislative Assembly who resigned in 1900 after making unsubstantiated allegations of corruption against the government of the day.

On 12 July 1899, Robson was elected to the Legislative Assembly seat of Geraldton in the by-election caused by the forced resignation of George Simpson (who had been declared bankrupt).

The premier, John Forrest, who had been deeply offended by Robson's reported statements, declared that the charges had impugned his personal honour and integrity, and demanded that they either be substantiated or withdrawn.

Robson attended on that date, making a speech in which denied that he had attacked the character of any Member, and submitted that he was responsible for his statements "only to those whom I represent".

Robson then withdrew the charges, apologised unreservedly to the House and to any individuals who had felt themselves affected by his statements, and resigned as a Member of the Legislative Assembly.

The House then resolved that Robson's comments had been "a grave breach" of parliamentary privilege, but since he had withdrawn the statements, and apologised, and resigned, no further action would be taken.

In 1907, Robson returned to England and settled at Newcastle, where he worked as a removalist and cabinet maker in partnership with his brother.