History of our Premiers

The Premier's Role in NSW History

The role of Premier did not emerge until the New South Wales Parliament was established in 1856. Originally, the Premier was referred to as the Colonial Prime Minister until all of the states of Australia united in Federation in 1901.

By definition, the Premier is a member of the Legislative Assembly and must have enough support amongst other Assembly members in order to form a Government. It was often difficult for the early Premiers to stay in office because political parties did not exist and they did not have guaranteed support within their government. The result was that Premiers and governments changed every 18 months (on average) and there were 13 different Premiers and 29 changes of government between 1856 and 1900.

Political parties began to develop in New South Wales in the late 1880's. By 1890, the Labor Party had been formed and other parliament members formed into two groupings – the "Free Traders" and the "Protectionists" – who were divided over the issue of import duties to protect local industry.

After Federation, the Free Trade versus Protection issue was no longer under the control of state parliaments, so the non-Labor parties evolved into the Liberal Party (formed in 1944) and the Country (now National) Party (formed in 1925). The formation of these parties ensured greater stability of Government, and since 1900, New South Wales Premiers have averaged almost 4 years in office. Since Federation, there have been 26 different Premiers and 16 changes of government in New South Wales.

Federation also meant that the 'Colonial Prime Minister' is now referred to as 'Premier of New South Wales'.

Source: NSW Parliament Website History Bulletin No. 5