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The Stevens–Bruxner ministry (1938–1939) or Third Stevens–Bruxner ministry or Third Stevens ministry was the 48th ministry of the New South Wales Government, and was led by the 25th Premier, the Honourable Bertram Stevens, 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 third of three occasions when the Government was led by Stevens, as Premier; and third of four occasions where Bruxner served as Deputy Premier.
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Stevens was first elected to the New South Wales Legislative Assembly in 1927 and served continuously until 1940. Having served as a senior minister in the Bavin ministry, following the defeat of the Nationalist coalition led by Bavin, who was in poor health, at the 1932 state election, Stevens was elected leader of the newly formed United Australia Party (UAP) in New South Wales and became Opposition Leader. 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 Stevens–Bruxner coalition came to power as a result of the Lang Dismissal Crisis, when the Governor of New South Wales, Philip Game used the reserve power of The Crown to remove Jack Lang as Premier, asking Stevens to form government. Going to the pollls a month later, Stevens/Bruxner won a landslide victory at the 1932 state election and were re-elected at the 1935 and 1938 state elections, albeit with reduced margins.
This ministry covers the period from 13 April 1938 until 5 August 1939 when the deputy leader of the UAP, Eric Spooner resigned from cabinet and on 1 August 1939, moved a no confidence motion against Stevens for not running a balanced budget. Stevens resigned as Premier and Leader of the UAP, and was succeeded by Alexander Mair, who formed a coalition with Bruxner.
First arrangement
The composition of the ministry was announced by Premier Stevens on 13 April 1938 and covers the period until 13 October 1938 when there was a minor rearrangement, unless the Minister retains the portfolio for the full term. Ministers are listed in order of seniority.
^a Resigned as Premier as a result of a no confidence motion being passed ^b Spooner, Deputy Leader of the UAP, resigned in protest against Stevens and his ability to run a balanced budget. Spooner went on to move a motion of no confidence in Stevens that resulted in Stevens resigning as Premier. ^c Died in officeSecond arrangement
The composition of the ministry was announced by Premier Stevens on 13 October 1938 and covers the period until 5 August 1939 when Stevens resigned as Premier. Ministers are listed in order of seniority. Only changes in portfolios are shown.
^a Died in office