 Wilks was a strong supporter of Premier Reid while in the New South Wales Parliament, and attempted unsuccessfully to defuse an 1899 censure motion against Reid with an amendment separating the issue of John Neild's payment from the main motion.He also believed that the motion was motivated by an attempt to ensure that Reid did not become the first Prime Minister of Australia.Wilks transferred to federal politics in the inaugural federal election in 1901, and was elected to the seat of Dalley.