Sir Walter Hartwell James KCMG, (29 March 1863 – 3 January 1943) was the fifth Premier of Western Australia and an ardent supporter of the federation movement.

He was a strong advocate for social reform, working for women's suffrage over a long period, and playing an active part in the establishment of a compulsory, free, secular education system.

After Leake died in late June 1902, "Nutty" James, as he was popularly known,[6][7][8] was appointed Premier and Attorney-General on 1 July.

He also led a reforming government; its achievements include legalization of the union movement, the first workers' compensation, a stronger Arbitration Act, and the opening of the current Parliament House.

James also tried but failed to reform the franchise; he achieved only the abolition of plural voting, and an increase in Goldfields representation.

These changes appear to have been his undoing, as it is likely that they were key factors in Labor's strong support in the election of 28 June 1904, after which James was defeated when Parliament next met on 10 August 1904.

After returning to Perth from London, he devoted himself to his legal practice and rose to prominence as a leading member of the Bar.