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The McGowen ministry was the 34th ministry of the New South Wales Government, and was led by the 18th Premier, the Honourable James McGowen, JP, MLA. This ministry marks the first Labor ministry in the state of New South Wales.
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McGowen was elected to the New South Wales Legislative Assembly in 1891, serving until 1917, before being appointed to the Legislative Council. He succeeded in defeating the government of Charles Wade at the 1910 state election and was commissioned to form government by Lord Chelmsford, Governor of New South Wales.
The ministry covers the period from 21 October 1910 until 29 June 1913 when McGowen was successfully challenged as Leader of the Labor Party by his deputy, William Holman.
First arrangement
The composition of the ministry was announced by Premier McGowen on 21 October 1910 and covers the period up to 10 September 1911, unless the Minister retains the portfolio for the full term. Ministers are listed in order of seniority.
^a Macdonell was absent from the State from 1 March 1911 due to illness. He died on 26 October 1911, while in office. ^b On 25 July 1911, two Labor Members of the Legislative Assembly resigned from the Labor Party and Parliament in protest at legislation on land ownership introduced by Lands Minister, Niels Nielson. As a result Labor was left without a majority in the house and rather than face a vote of no confidence, the Ministry and Speaker resigned. This forced the House to be prorogued with the result that Donald Macdonell, who was unwell but expected to recover, was automatically expelled for non-attendance during an entire session. By the time of the subsequent by-elections, Labor policy had been reversed and Nielsen had left the ministrySecond arrangement
This arrangement covers the period from 11 September 1911 until 26 November 1911, unless the Minister retains the portfolio for the full term. Ministers are listed in order of seniority. Only changes in portfolios are shown below.
^c Beeby resigned from the ministry, parliament and party in protest at the power of the extra-parliamentary Labor Party executive in December 1912, necessitating a further reshuffle.Third arrangement
This arrangement covers the period from 27 November 1911 until 11 April 1912. Ministers are listed in order of seniority. Only changes in portfolios are shown below.
^c Beeby resigned from the ministry, parliament and party in protest at the power of the extra-parliamentary Labor Party executive in December 1912, necessitating a further reshuffle. ^d Dacey died on 11 April 1912, resulting in another reshuffle in McGowen's senior Ministers.Fourth arrangement
This arrangement covers the period from 12 April 1912 until 29 June 1913, when the parliament was dissolved. Only changes in portfolios are shown below.