Holman ministry (1913–16)


The Holman ministry or First Holman ministry or Holman Labor ministry was the 35th ministry of the New South Wales Government, and was led by the 19th Premier, the Honourable William Holman, MLA.
Holman was elected to the New South Wales Legislative Assembly in 1898, serving until 1920, before being elected to the Australian House of Representatives. Holman, as Deputy Leader, managed the business of government during extended absences overseas by Premier James McGowen. When it became clear that McGowen was not prepared to continue as the Leader of the Australian Labor Party, Holman was elected Leader and was commissioned to form government by Sir Gerald Strickland, Governor of New South Wales.
The ministry covers the period from 30 June 1913 until 15 November 1916 when Holman formed a Nationalist coalition government with the leader of the opposition, Charles Wade, as a result of a split in the Labor Party concerning World War I conscription. In an unusual measure, Holman, as a Labor Premier and Leader, was expelled from the Labor Party for supporting conscription.

Composition of ministry

First arrangement

The composition of the ministry was announced by Premier Holman on 30 June 1913 and covers the period up to 29 January 1914, unless the Minister retains the portfolio for the full term. Ministers are listed in order of seniority.

Second arrangement

Triggered by the resignation of Edden and the decision of McGowen to resign on the same date, this arrangement covers the period from 29 January 1914 until 15 March 1915, unless the Minister retains the portfolio for the full term. Ministers are listed in order of seniority. Only changes in portfolios are shown below.

Third arrangement

This arrangement covers the period from 15 March 1915 until 15 November 1916, when Holman reconstituted his ministry in coalition with the Nationalist Party, due to a split in the Labor Party over conscription. Only changes in portfolios are shown below.