The office has existed since the creation of the Legislative Assembly in 1890 under the Constitution Act 1889.
The 31st and current Speaker is Labor MLA Michelle Roberts, who has held the role since the 2021 state election.
On the other hand, the Speaker is not a political figure like those in the United States.
The Speaker does not take part in debates in the House, does not vote in the House except in the (rare) event of a tied vote, and does not speak in public on party-political issues (except at election time in his or her own constituency).
The Speaker is expected to conduct the business of the House in an impartial manner, and generally does so.