State Election set for March 2013

WA's next State election looks set to be held in March 2013 after the Government last night introduced legislation for fixed four-year terms of government.

Electoral Affairs Minister Norman Moore said fixed terms of government would provide greater certainty for voters and business and allow for more effective planning of polls.

He told Parliament last night it would also "facilitate better electoral enrolment of citizens who are disadvantaged by the calling of snap elections" and "remove the partisan political advantage of Governments from manipulating election dates".

If passed, general elections in WA would be held on the second Saturday in March every four years with the next election set for March 9, 2013.

Shadow electoral minister Ken Travers said Labor supported the Bill but if it passed, the Barnett Government would be one of the longest terms of governments in WA's history.

"When we were consulted, one of the dates we suggested was November but obviously the Government has decided to go with March which is fairly late in WA electoral history," he said.

"The Government is going to have to deliver for the people of WA if they got more time than any other Government has had before."

Mr Moore said in a statement he was confident the legislation would pass Parliament and WA would move to fixed four-year Parliamentary terms in line with most other Australian States and Territories.