William Champ - Political Career

Political Career

In 1852 Champ became a colonial secretary to Governor Denison. In the 1850s, the British parliament passed legislation that would give Tasmania a responsible 'independent' government. This created the Tasmanian House of Assembly. The first elections for the Tasmanian House of Assembly took place in 1856. Prior to this Champ was a member of the Tasmanian Legislative Council chosen by the Governor from 1852 until 1856. He was elected as the member for Launceston in the new Tasmanian House of Assembly and became Premier in the first responsible government.

Champ held office of premier from 1 November 1856 until 26 February 1857. Shortly into his term, his ministry collapsed and he was unable to govern. He was briefly opposition leader in 1857 but resigned shortly after. Leaving Tasmania, he became inspector-general of penal establishments in Victoria. He later entered politics in Victoria, being a member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly for East Bourke Boroughs from April 1871 until May 1873. He died in Melbourne, Victoria on 25 August 1892.

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