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William Sayer

1857 – 1943

Politician of Western Australia

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About William Sayer

Lived 1857 – 1943 (aged 85). William Sayer was an Australian politician.

William Frederic Sayer KC (3 December 1857 – 26 February 1943) was an Australian lawyer and politician who was a member of the Legislative Assembly of Western Australia from 1901 to 1902. He was attorney-general in the short-lived government of George Throssell.

Sayer was born in London, and attended the University College School before going on to study law. He came to Western Australia in 1890 to work as a legal adviser to the Midland Railway Company. He later worked for the colonial government, serving as a secretary in the Law Department and then as Commissioner of Titles from 1898 to 1901 (a position in the Department of Lands and Surveys). In March 1901, despite not being a member of parliament, Sayer was appointed attorney-general in the ministry of George Throssell (succeeding Richard Pennefather).

At the 1901 state election, a month after being elevated to the ministry, Sayer won the newly created seat of Claremont. However, at the same election, Throssell's government lost its majority, eventually leading to its demise in May 1901. Sayer was replaced as attorney-general by the new premier, George Leake. He remained in parliament for only another year, resigning in May 1902 to accept the position of chief parliamentary draughtsman. In December 1902, Sayer was appointed crown solicitor (equivalent to Solicitor-General) in succession to Robert Bruce Burnside, a position which he held until his retirement in 1930. He died in February 1943, aged 85.

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Important facts

Birth century
Occupation
Nationality
Education
University College School
Positions held
Member of the Western Australian Legislative Assembly, Attorney-General of Western Australia
Also known as
William Frederic Sayer

People in William Sayer's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped William Sayer's

Frequently asked questions

Who was William Sayer?

politician of Western Australia

When was William Sayer born?

William Sayer was born on 3 December 1857 in London.

When did William Sayer die?

William Sayer died on 26 February 1943 in Darlington.

What was William Sayer's occupation?

William Sayer was a politician.

What nationality was William Sayer?

William Sayer was Australian.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: William Sayer

· Wikidata: Q24648718

· DBpedia: William Sayer

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). William Sayer. https://biography.guide/william-sayer/

MLA: "William Sayer." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/william-sayer/.

Chicago: "William Sayer." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/william-sayer/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-21 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

Portrait: Wikimedia Commons · author & licence

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