Richard Fairfax Court (born 27 September 1947) is an Australian politician who served as the 26th Premier of Western Australia from 16 February 1993 to 16 February 2001. He led the state Liberal Party during the 1990s and governed for two consecutive terms. His premiership is often considered in the context of economic management, infrastructure programs and the political legacy of his family; his father was also a state premier.

Career and premiership

Court entered state politics and rose to the leadership of his party before taking office as premier in 1993. During his eight years as head of the Western Australian government he navigated a period of fiscal and institutional reform, sought to attract private investment, and oversaw projects in transport, health and education. His government won two elections before being defeated in 2001.

Policies and priorities

Key themes of his administration included efforts to:

  • stabilise state finances and pursue public sector efficiency;
  • encourage economic development and private-sector participation in infrastructure;
  • manage state responses to national developments such as native title and changing federal–state relations.

Court’s style combined pragmatic economic management with coalition politics typical of centre‑right state governments of that era. His government attracted both praise for economic stewardship and criticism from opponents on aspects of public service change and social policy.

Background and notable facts

He is part of a prominent political family: his father, Charles Court, also served as Premier of Western Australia. That father–son succession is a notable feature of the state’s political history. For more on his political biography and context, see the profile of Richard Court.

After leaving the premiership he remained active in public life and in advisory and private roles, contributing to discussions on state development and governance. His time in office is often referenced in assessments of Western Australia’s 1990s economic and political trajectory.