WA upper house gets first female president

Long-serving Labor MP Kate Doust has become Western Australia's first female president of the Legislative Council, while Sue Ellery will lead the government in the upper house.

Ms Doust said as a mother of three she was prepared to deal with a sometimes boisterous upper house.

"I'm sure I'll be able to cope with 35 members on the floor," she told reporters today.

Ms Ellery said she hoped young women and girls would see that holding public leadership positions was something they could aspire to do. 

Premier Mark McGowan congratulated Ms Doust on her appointment.

“This is a historic election, with Ms Doust to be the first woman to hold this position,” he said.

“She has made a significant contribution to the Western Australian parliament over a number of years and I have no doubt she will carry out this role in a professional and diligent manner.

“I’m pleased there are now two outstanding female members of parliament taking leading roles in Western Australia’s upper house.”