The Askin–Cutler ministry (1973–1975) or Sixth Askin ministry was the 67th ministry of the New South Wales Government, and was led by the 32nd Premier, the Honourable Sir Robert Askin KCMG MLA, of the Liberal Party in coalition with the Country Party, led by the Honourable Sir Charles Cutler KBE ED MLA. It was the sixth and final occasion when Askin was Premier; and when Cutler served as Deputy Premier to Askin.
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Background
Askin was elected to the New South Wales Legislative Assembly in 1950 and served continuously until 1975, representing variously the seats of Collaroy and Pittwater. Rising through the Liberal Party ranks, Askin served as Deputy Leader from 1954 until he was elected Leader of the NSW Liberal Party and Leader of the NSW Opposition, following the defeat of the Morton/Hughes–led coalition by Cahill's Labor at the 1959 election. Cutler was elected to the NSW Legislative Assembly in 1947 and served continuously until 1975, representing the seat of Orange. Elected Deputy Leader of the Country Party in 1958 and, like Askin, Cutler was elected as leader of his party following the 1959 state election, replacing Davis Hughes. The Askin/Cutler–led Liberal/Country coalition was defeated at the 1962 election by Labor's Bob Heffron. In April 1964 Jack Renshaw replaced Heffron as Leader of the Labor Party and became Premier. Twelve months later, Renshaw called an election held on 13 May 1965; however after 24 years of consecutive Labor governments, Askin and Cutler led the coalition to government at the 1965 state election.
The first Askin/Cutler ministry was commissioned from 1965 until the 1968 state election; when the coalition again won office. The second Askin/Cutler ministry was commissioned from the 1968 election until 11 February 1969, when the ministry was reconfigured. The third Askin/Cutler ministry was commissioned from the 1969 reconfiguration until the 1971 state election. The fourth Askin/Cutler ministry was commissioned from the 1971 election until 17 January 1973, when the ministry was reconfigured. The fifth Askin/Cutler ministry was commissioned from the 1973 reconfiguration until the 1973 state election.
Tenure of ministry
This ministry covers the period from 3 December 1973 until 3 January 1975, when Askin resigned as Premier and as Member for Pittwater.
The Hon. Tom Lewis, MLA succeeded Askin as Leader of the Liberal Party and became Premier, and entered into a Liberal/Country coalition with Cutler, until Cutler resigned in 1975, necessitating a further reconfiguration of the ministry.
Composition of ministry
The composition of the ministry was announced by Premier Askin on 3 December 1973, and covers the period until 3 January 1975, when Askin resigned. Ministers are listed in order of seniority and in all cases, serve the full term of this ministry.
1 Fuller took on the expanded portfolio of Planning and Environment following the resignation of the Hon. Jack Beale, MLA, one month prior to the 1973 election. 2 Waddy took on the portfolio of Health following the failure of the Hon. Harry Jago, MLA to nominate for his sitting seat, prior to the 1973 election. 3 Bruxner took on the portfolio of Decentralisation and Development, previously held by Fuller. 4 McGinty was a new appointment to the ministry, taking on the portfolio responsibilities previously held by Bruxner, who was promoted 5 Healey was a new appointment to the ministry, taking on the portfolio responsibilities previously held by Waddy, who was promoted