Division of Pearce — Australian federal electoral division in Western Australia

Geography and communities

Pearce covers a diverse landscape that includes coastal fringes, wheatbelt country and hills to the east of Perth. The division encompasses a number of towns and localities that reflect its mixed character. Notable communities within its boundaries include:

• Gingin
• Mundaring and Mount Helena
• Chidlow
• Northam and York
• Yanchep
• Brookton, Pingelly and Narrogin

History and name

Pearce was created ahead of the 1990 federal election as part of a redistribution to reflect population change. The division takes its name from the Rt Hon Sir George Pearce, a prominent early federal parliamentarian and long‑serving member of the Australian Senate. Sir George is also associated with the early formation of the labour movement in Western Australia and is remembered for his lengthy public service; his name was chosen to recognise that legacy.

Economy and character

The electorate combines agricultural districts—wheat, sheep and mixed farming—with service towns and expanding residential areas where people commute into Perth. Coastal and hinterland tourism, small‑scale industry and local services also contribute to the local economy. As Perth’s urban footprint has grown, parts of Pearce have seen suburban development and changing demographic patterns.

Political significance

As a federal seat, Pearce plays a role in national elections and in reflecting the interests of both regional and peri‑urban voters. Its boundaries have been adjusted several times through redistributions to maintain balanced numbers of electors. The division’s mix of farming communities and commuter suburbs gives it a varied electorate with a range of local priorities, from infrastructure and services to land use and rural economies.

Further information

For official details about its current boundaries and electoral matters, consult electoral resources and the Australian Electoral Commission. Historical and biographical material about the seat's namesake and early federal politics can be found in collections relating to the Australian Labor Party in Western Australia and the life of George Pearce.