 Ollivier served on the Executive Council from 8 December 1857 to 8 November 1859, and again from 21 November 1859 to 2 January 1860.He was Speaker of the Council from 30 May 1865 to 7 May 1866.Ollivier contested the seat of Christchurch Country against Crosbie Ward, following the resignation of Dingley Askham Brittin.