Williamstown is one of only three electorates (along with Brighton and Richmond) to have been contested at every election since 1856.[1] It is a very safe seat for the Labor Party, which has held it for all but two terms since 1889 and without interruption since 1904. Notable former members include John Lemmon,[2] who held the seat for a Victorian record 51 years until his retirement in 1955, and former Premiers Joan Kirner[3] and Steve Bracks.[4]
Steve Bracks held the seat from a by-election in 1994 until his surprise resignation on 30 July 2007. A by-election was held on 15 September 2007, resulting in the election of Labor's Wade Noonan.[5]
The seat is almost entirely within the equally safe federal seat of Gellibrand.