The Mair–Bruxner ministry or Mair ministry was the 49th ministry of the New South Wales Government, and was led by the 26th Premier, the Honourable Alexander Mair, MLA, in a United Australia Party coalition with the Country Party, that was led by the Honourable Lieutenant-Colonel Michael Bruxner, DSO, MLA. The ministry was the only occasion when the Government was led by Stevens, as Premier; and fourth and final occasion where Bruxner served as Deputy Premier.
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Mair was first elected to the New South Wales Legislative Assembly in 1932 and served continuously until 1946. Having served as a junior minister in the third Stevens ministry and subsequently promoted, Mair was elected leader of the United Australia Party (UAP) in New South Wales as a result of a no confidence motion against the 25th Premier, Bertram Stevens, for not running a balanced budget. Stevens resigned as Premier and Leader of the UAP and Mair won the leadership ballot and hence became Premier. Bruxner was first elected to the Assembly in 1920 and served continuously until 1962. Initially a member of the Progressive Party, he served as party leader in opposition between 1922 and 1925; and resumed leadership in 1932, following the resignation of his successor, Ernest Buttenshaw. By this stage, the party was renamed as the Country Party.
The Mair formed a coalition with Bruxner, taking over where Stevens was previously in coalition with the Country Party.
This ministry covers the period from 5 August 1939 until 16 May 1941 when the 1941 state election saw the defeat of the Mair–Bruxner coalition, and the Labor Party under the leadership of William McKell elected to government.
First arrangement
The composition of the ministry was announced by Premier Mair on 5 August 1939 and covers just eleven days until 16 August 1939 as an "emergency cabinet" pending formation of the full ministry as a result of the turmoil following the resignation of Stevens. At that point there was a minor rearrangement, unless the Minister retains the portfolio for the full term. Ministers are listed in order of seniority.
^a ResignedSecond arrangement
The composition of the ministry was announced by Premier Mair on 16 August 1939 and covers the period until 16 May 1941 when Mair was defeated at the 1941 state election. Ministers are listed in order of seniority. Only changes in portfolios are shown.