Mark McGowan greets Patrick Dodson. Photo: Laura Thomas.

WA Indigenous leader Pat Dodson officially became an Australian Senator this morning after last week being elected to the post in a special joint sitting of both Houses of State Parliament.

He joins the Senate just a week before Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull is expected to call a double dissolution election and on the eve of the Federal Budget.

Mr Dodson said last week he appreciated the support and warm welcome he received from the Australian Labor Party and Federal Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.

“There’s been a number of people on either side of the House [who have] expressed their congratulations and support,” he said.

Mr Dodson said he was humbled and hoped to eventually secure constitutional recognition for Indigenous people.

Mr Dodson replacea Joe Bullock, the former Labor senator who resigned earlier this month over Labor’s support for same-sex marriage.