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1913


The Holman ministry (1913 – 1916) 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 Iconscription. In an unusual measure, Holman, as a Labor Premier and Leader, was suspended as a member of 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.

Portfolio Minister Party Term commence Term end Term of office
Premier Hon. William Holman, MLA   Labor 30 June 1913 15 November 1916 3 years, 138 days
Colonial Secretary
Attorney General
  29 January 1914 213 days
Colonial Treasurer Hon. John Cann, MLA  
Secretary for Lands Hon. John Treflé, MLA a   11 January 1915 1 year, 195 days
Minister of Agriculture   29 January 1914 213 days
Minister for Public Works Hon. Arthur Griffith, MLA   15 March 1915 1 year, 258 days
Minister of Justice Hon. David Hall, MLC   15 November 1916 3 years, 138 days
Minister of Public Instruction Hon. Ambrose Carmichael, MLA b   5 March 1915 1 year, 248 days
Secretary for Mines Hon. Alfred Edden, MLA c   29 January 1914 213 days
Minister for Labour and Industry Hon. James McGowen, MLA d  
Minister for Public Health Hon. Frederick Flowers, MLC   27 April 1915 1 year, 301 days
Vice-President of the Executive Council
Representative of the Government in Legislative Council
 
^a Treflé died on 11 January 1915, while in office.
^b Carmichael resigned over concerns with preparations for World War I.
^c Edden resigned from the ministry, triggering the reshuffle.
^d McGovern resigned from the ministry, and was later appointed by Holman to the Legislative Council.