He held this position for about 15 years. When responsible government came in, Bonney was elected a member of the South Australian House of Assembly for East Torrens, and became commissioner of crown lands in the first ministry under B. T. Finniss. This ministry went out of office in August 1857 and Bonney resigned his seat in the following January.
He held this position for approximately 15 years. When responsible government was introduced, Bonney was elected to represent East Torrens in the South Australian House of Assembly and became commissioner of crown lands under B. T. Finniss's first administration. This administration ended in August 1857, resulting in Bonney's resignation from his seat.