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The 1871 Victorian colonial election was held from 14 February to 16 March 1871 to elect the 7th Parliament of Victoria. All 78 seats in 49 electorates in the Legislative Assembly were up for election, though six seats were uncontested.^[1]

There were 24 single-member, 21 two-member and 4 three-member electorates.^[1]

The Premier James Francis fought the 1874 general election on a proposition for constitutional reform to settle disputes between the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council by joint sittings.^[2] After the inconclusive election results became known, the editorial in The Argus commented: “In no one case does it appear that the proposed scheme of constitutional reform exercised any material effect upon the decision of the constituencies”.^[3] Although Francis continued as Premier after the election, the results precluded any prospect of passing the constitutional reform he had advocated.^[2][4]

Results

With no formal party structure, elected members were mainly classified as ‘Ministerial’, ‘Opposition’ or ‘Doubtful’, with unelected candidates given no classification.^[1] ‘Ministerial’ members were considered to be supporters of the government of the previous parliament, ‘Opposition’ members were those “opposed to the Government either on general grounds or on the special reform proposition”. Those members whose views were unknown were classified as ‘Doubtful’.^[5]

Aftermath

Sir James McCulloch resigned once more in June 1871 when his liberal supporters split over the budget. Charles G Duffy then formed a ministry. His Irish Catholic nationalism aroused much hostility, and he was defeated in June 1872. He was succeeded by James Francis, who fought the 1874 election in opposition to the power of the Legislative Council to frustrate reform.

See also

References