Milestones
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Details
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Barton Ministry
(Protectionist) 1.1.1901 – 24.9.1903
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1903
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Kingston, The Rt Hon. Charles Cameron, MP
Member for Adelaide, SA,
30.3.1901 – 11.5.1908 (died)
Protectionist
Mr Kingston resigned as Minister for Trade and Customs on
24.7.1903 over disagreement in Cabinet about whether the proposed
Conciliation and Arbitration Bill should cover seamen on all ships engaged in
Australian coastal trade.
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1903
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Barton, The Rt Hon. Sir Edmund, GCMG, KC, MP
Member for Hunter, NSW,
29.3.1901 – 30.9.1903 (resigned)
Protectionist
Sir Edmund Barton resigned as Prime Minister and Minister for
External Affairs on 24.9.1903 on appointment as one of the first Justices of
the recently created High Court of Australia.
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1903
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O’Connor, Senator
The Hon. Richard Edward
Senator for NSW, 29.3.1901 – 27.9.1903
(resigned)
Protectionist
Senator O’Connor resigned as Vice-President of the Executive
Council on 24.9.1903 on appointment as one of the first Justices of the
recently created High Court of Australia.
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1st Deakin Ministry (Protectionist) 24.9.1903 – 27.4.1904
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Watson Ministry (ALP) 27.4.1904 – 17.8.1904
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Reid–McLaren Ministry (Free Trade-Protectionist)18.8.1904
– 5.7.1905
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2nd
Deakin Ministry (Protectionist) 5.7.1905 – 13.11.1908
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1907
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Forrest, The Rt Hon. Sir John, MP
Member for Swan, WA, 30.3.1901
– 2.9.1918 (died)
Protectionist
Western Australia Party from 1906
Liberal from 1910
Nationalist from 1917
Sir John Forrest resigned as Minister
for Trade and Customs on 30.7.1907 because of his dislike of the close
relationship between the ministry and the Australian Labor Party. Sir John
was appointed Treasurer on 17.2.1911 in the 3rd Hughes Ministry.
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1st Fisher Ministry (ALP) 13.11.1908 – 2.6.1909
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2nd Fisher Ministry (ALP) 29.4.1910 – 24.6.1913
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Cook Ministry (Liberal) 24.6.1913 – 17.9.1914
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3rd
Fisher Ministry (ALP) 17.9.1914 – 27.10.1915
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1915
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Fisher, The Rt Hon. Andrew, MP
Member for Wide Bay, Qld 30.3.1901
– 26.10.1915 (resigned)
ALP
Mr Fisher resigned as Prime Minister and Treasurer on
27.10.1915 to take up the position of Australian High Commissioner to the
United Kingdom.
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1st
Hughes Ministry (ALP) 27.10.1915 – 14.11.1916
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1916
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Tudor, The Hon. Frank Gwynne, MP
Member for Yarra, Vic., 29.3.1901 – 10.1.1922 (died)
ALP
Mr Tudor resigned as Minister for Trade and Customs on
14.9.1916 in protest against Prime Minister Hughes’s introduction of the
Military Services Referendum Bill on 13.9.1916.
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1916
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Higgs, The Hon. William Guy, MP
Member for Capricornia, Qld,
13.4.1910 – 16.12.1922 (defeated)
ALP
Independent in 1920, then Nationalist from 1920
Mr Higgs resigned as Treasurer on
27.10.1916 because of the manner in which Prime Minister Hughes had conducted
the Executive Council meeting of 27.10.1916. At this meeting, the Prime
Minister had succeeded in gaining agreement to a contentious regulation. This
would have authorised the returning officers at the plebiscite on conscription
to be held on 28.10.1916 to ask questions of voters concerning their
compliance with the home service call-up which had been proclaimed on
29.9.1916. The ballot papers of voters with unsatisfactory replies could be
put aside for later consideration. The regulation had in fact been rejected
at the previous meeting of the Executive Council on 25.10.1916. Prime
Minister Hughes had then held another meeting on 27.10.1916, but with a
different membership. Moreover, he had not informed the Governor-General of
the previous rejection of the regulation. Mr Higgs, Senator Gardiner and
Senator Russell resigned immediately in protest. The regulation was
withdrawn. The ALP split over the conscription issue, and Prime Minister Hughes
formed a National Labour Ministry on 14.11.1916.
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1916
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Gardiner, Senator The Hon. Albert
Senator for NSW, 1.7.1910 – 30.6.1926,
5.6.1928 – 16.11.1928 (retired)
ALP
Progressive Labor 5.6.1928 – 16.11.1928
Senator Gardiner resigned, along with Mr Higgs and Senator
Russell, as Vice-President of the Executive Council on 27.10.1916 over the
conscription referendum regulation. (See Higgs above.)
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1916
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Russell, Senator The Hon. Edward John
Senator for Victoria, 1.1.1907 – 18.7.1925 (died)
ALP
Nationalist from 1917
Senator Russell resigned, along with Mr
Higgs and Senator Gardiner, as Assistant Minister on 27.10.1916 over the
conscription plebiscite regulation. (See Higgs above.) Senator Russell,
however, rejoined the Hughes Ministry after the conscription split on
14.11.1916.
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2nd Hughes Ministry (Liberal)14.11.1916 – 17.2.1917
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3rd
Hughes Ministry (Nationalist) 17.2.1917 – 10.1.1918
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1918
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Hughes, The Rt Hon. William Morris, MP
Member for West Sydney, NSW,
29.3.1901 – 5.5.1917
Member for Bendigo, Vic., 5.5.1917
– 16.12.1922
Member for North Sydney, NSW, 16.12.1922 – 10.12.1949
Member for Bradfield, NSW, 10.12.1949 – 28.10.1952 (died)
ALP 29.3.1901 – 14.11.1916
National Labour 14.11.1916 – 5.5.1917
Nationalist 5.5.1917 to 1929
Independent Nationalist from 1929
UAP from 1931
Liberal from 1944
Mr Hughes resigned as Prime Minister on 8.1.1918 following the
defeat of the second plebiscite on conscription on 20.12.1917. During the plebiscite
campaign he had several times pledged to resign from office should it be
defeated. After the plebiscite the pledge was discussed extensively by
Cabinet and by the Nationalist Party. The Governor-General, Sir Ronald
Munro-Ferguson, held discussions with Mr Hughes, the ALP Leader Mr Tudor
and a number of Nationalist members to investigate whether an alternative
government could be formed. Mr Hughes and his previous ministry were
recommissioned on 10.1.1918.
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4th
Hughes Ministry (Nationalist) 10.1.1918 – 9.2.1923
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1918
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Forrest, The Rt Hon. Sir John, MP
Member for Swan, WA, 30.3.1901
– 2.9.1918 (died)
Protectionist
Western Australia Party from 1906
Liberal from 1910
Nationalist from 1917
Sir John Forrest resigned as Treasurer on 27.3.1918, partly
due to illness, partly due to political dissatisfaction and partly due to his
having been recommended for a barony in February 1918. Sir John left
Australia in July, hoping to take his seat in the House of Lords, but died at
sea during the voyage without having received the official confirmation of
his peerage.
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1918
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Jensen, The Hon. Jens August, MP
Member for Bass, Tas.,
13.4.1910 – 13.12.1919 (defeated)
ALP
Nationalist from 1917
Mr Jensen was dismissed as Minister for
Trade and Customs on 13.12.1918. After he had been unfavourably mentioned in
the Report of the Royal Commission on Navy and Defence Administration in
December 1918, Mr Jensen was asked to resign. He refused and was dismissed.
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1920
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Watt, The Rt Hon.
William Alexander, MP
Member for Balaclava, Vic., 5.9.1914 – 5.7.1929 (resigned)
Liberal, Nationalist from 1917
Liberal from 1922
Nationalist from 1925
Mr Watt resigned as Treasurer on 15.6.1920 while overseas on
several financial missions, including representing Australia in the Empire
delegation to an international economic conference in Brussels. He had a
number of disputes with Prime Minister Hughes over the management of the
mission, and over the financial negotiations with the British government
about purchases of Australian wool. Mr Watt resigned, claiming interference
and lack of support from the Prime Minister.
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1921
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Cook, The Rt Hon.
Sir Joseph, GCMG, MP
Member for Parramatta, NSW,
29.3.1901 – 11.11.1921 (resigned)
Free Trade, Anti-Socialist from 1906
Liberal from 1910
Nationalist from 1917
Sir Joseph Cook resigned as Treasurer on
11.11.1921 on appointment as Australian High Commissioner to the United
Kingdom.
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1923
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Hughes, The Rt Hon. William Morris, KC, MPMember for West Sydney, NSW, 29.3.1901 – 5.5.1917
Member for Bendigo, Vic., 5.5.1917
– 16.12.1922
Member for North Sydney, NSW, 16.12.1922 – 10.12.1949
Member for Bradfield, NSW, 10.12.1949 – 28.10.1952 (died)
ALP 29.3.1901 – 14.11.1916
National Labour 14.11.1916 – 5.5.1917
Nationalist 5.5.1917 to 1929
Independent Nationalist from 1929
UAP from 1931
Liberal from 1944
Mr Hughes resigned as Prime Minister on
9.2.1923 following the election of 16.12.1922, when no party gained a
majority of seats.[8] The Country Party held the balance of
power, but would not support a Nationalist government led by Mr Hughes. Mr
Hughes thus resigned, and Mr Bruce became the Nationalist Party Leader and
Prime Minister in a Nationalist – Country Party coalition.
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Bruce–Page
Ministry (Nationalist–CP Coalition) 9.2.1923 – 22.10.1929
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1924
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Chapman, The Hon. Austin, MP
Member for Eden-Monaro, NSW,
29.3.1901 – 12.1.1926 (died)
Protectionist
Liberal from 1910
Nationalist from 1917
Mr Chapman resigned as Minister for Trade and Customs and
Minister for Health on 26.5.1924 because of ill health, but possibly
influenced by criticism of the operations of the Tariff Board.
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1924
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Stewart, The Hon.
Percy Gerald, MP
Member for Wimmera, Vic., 13.12.1919 – 14.1.1931 (died)
Victorian Farmers’ Union, Country Party from 1920
Country Progressive Party from 1926
Mr Stewart resigned as Minister for
Works and Railways on 5.8.1924 and resigned from the Country Party in July
1925 in protest at the electoral pact between the Nationalists and the Country
Party at the 1925 election. The parties agreed to exchange preferences and
not to oppose each other in marginal seats.
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1925
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Groom, The Hon. Sir
Littleton Ernest, KCMG, KC, MP
Member for Darling Downs, Qld,
14.9.1901 – 12.10.1929, 19.12.31 – 6.11.1936 (died)
Protectionist
Liberal from 1910
Nationalist from 1917
Sir Littleton Groom resigned as Attorney-General on
18.12.1925. This followed an unsuccessful attempt under the recently passed Immigration
Act 1925 to deport the overseas-born leaders of the Australian Seamen’s
Union, Tom Walsh and Jacob Johnson. Sir Littleton was elected Speaker of the
House of Representatives on 13.1.1926.
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Scullin Ministry (ALP) 22.10.1929
– 6.1.1932
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1930
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Theodore, The Hon.
Edward Granville, MP
Member for Dalley, NSW,
26.2.1927 – 19.12.1931 (defeated)
ALP
During Mr Theodore’s time as Queensland Premier, silver-lead
mines at Mungana and Chillagoe had been sold to the State Government at allegedly
inflated prices, and it was further claimed that Mr Theodore held shares in
the mines. Mr Theodore resigned as Treasurer
on 9.7.1930 after a Queensland Royal Commission found him guilty of fraud and
dishonesty in relation to the Mungana affair. Mr Scullin reinstated Mr
Theodore as Treasurer on 29.1.1931, before the Mungana allegations had been
resolved. This led to further resignations from the Ministry (see entries for
Lyons and Fenton). A civil case in Queensland later exonerated Mr Theodore.
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1931
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Lyons, The Hon. Joseph
Aloysius, MP
Member for Wilmot, Tas.,
12.10.1929 – 7.4.1939 (died)
ALP
UAP from 1931
Mr Lyons resigned as Minister for Works and Railways and as
Postmaster-General on 4.2.1931 in protest against Mr Theodore’s reinstatement
in the Ministry, partly because of the unresolved Mungana allegations and
partly because of disagreement with Mr Theodore’s economic policies.
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1931
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Fenton, The Hon.
James Edward, MP
Member for Maribyrnong, Vic., 13.4.1910 – 15.9.1934 (defeated)
ALP
UAP from 1931
Resigned as Minister for Trade and Customs on 4.2.1931 in
protest against Mr Theodore’s reinstatement in the Ministry.
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1931
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Holloway, The Hon. Edward
James, MP
Member for Flinders, Vic., 12.10.1929 – 19.12.1931
Melbourne Ports, Vic., 19.12.1931 –
19.3.1951 (retired)
ALP
Mr Holloway resigned as Assistant Minister for Industry on
12.6.1931 in opposition to Caucus’s acceptance of the Premiers’ Plan. This
reduced government expenditure and pensions and increased taxes. Mr Holloway
and Mr Culley regarded this as contrary to ALP policy (see Culley below).
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1931
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Culley, The Hon. Charles
Ernest, MP
Member for Denison, Tas.,
17.11.1928 – 19.12.1931 (defeated)
ALP
Mr Culley resigned as Assistant Minister for Transport and War
Service Homes on 24.6.1931, like Mr Holloway, in opposition to the acceptance
of the Premiers’ Plan.
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1st Lyons
Ministry (UAP) 6.1.1932 – 9.11.1934; (UAP–CP Coalition) 9.11.1934 – 7.11.1938
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1932
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Hawker, The Hon.
Charles Allan Seymour, MP
Member for Wakefield, SA,
10.10.1929 – 25.10.1938 (died)
Nationalist
UAP from 1931
Mr Hawker resigned as
Minister for Commerce on 23.9.1932 in order to vote for Mr Gabb’s motion to
amend the Financial Emergency Bill 1932. The amendment, if carried, would
have reduced parliamentary salaries.
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1932
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Fenton, The Hon.
James Edward, MP
Member for Maribyrnong, Vic., 13.4.1910 – 15.9.1934 (defeated)
ALP
UAP from 1931
Mr Fenton resigned as
Postmaster-General on 13.10.1932 in protest against Cabinet’s acceptance of
the Ottawa Agreement, which he believed threatened Australia’s high
protectionist policy. He voted against the United Kingdom and Australia Trade
Agreement Bill on 16.11.1932.
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1933
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Bruce, The Rt Hon.
Stanley Melbourne, MC, MP
Member for Flinders, Vic., 11.5.1918 – 12.10.1929, 19.12.1931 – 6.10.1933
(resigned)
UAP
Mr
Bruce resigned as Minister without Portfolio, London, on 6.10.1933 on
appointment as Australian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. Shortly
before, there had been a disagreement between Mr Bruce and Mr Latham over
whether the Commonwealth was responsible for the States’ debts, during which
Mr Bruce had threatened to resign.
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1934
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Latham, The Rt Hon.
John Greig, KC, MP
Member for Kooyong, Vic., 16.12.1922 – 7.8.1934 (retired)
Liberal Nationalist from 1925
UAP from 1931
Mr Latham retired from politics when
Parliament was dissolved on 7.8.1934, prior to the election of 15.9.1934, in
the expectation of being appointed Chief Justice of the High Court on the
retirement of Sir Frank Gavan Duffy. However, he remained Attorney-General
and Minister for External Affairs until 12.10.1934, when former Victorian
Attorney-General Mr Robert Menzies, who succeeded Mr Latham as Member for
Kooyong, was sworn in as Attorney-General. Mr Latham returned to legal
practice at the Bar until his appointment as Chief Justice of the High Court
on 11.10.1935.
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1935
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Hughes, The Rt Hon. William Morris, KC, MP
Member for West Sydney, NSW,
29.3.1901 – 5.5.1917
Member for Bendigo, Vic., 5.5.1917
– 16.12.1922
Member for North Sydney, NSW, 16.12.1922 – 10.12.1949
Member for Bradfield, NSW, 10.12.1949 – 28.10.1952 (died)
ALP 29.3.1901 – 14.11.1916
National Labour 14.11.1916 – 5.5.1917
Nationalist 5.5.1917 to 1929
Independent Nationalist from 1929
UAP from 1931
Liberal from 1944
Mr Hughes resigned as Minister for Health
and Minister for Repatriation on 6.11.1935. Mr Hughes’s book Australia
and War Today was published on 31.10.1935. This was critical of the
effectiveness of the League of Nations, in particular its sanctions power.
The Government was on the eve of introducing the second reading of the
Sanctions Bill 1935 in the House of Representatives. Mr Lyons regarded Mr
Hughes’s views as contrary to government policy, and required Mr Hughes to
submit his resignation.
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1937
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Gullett, The Hon.
Sir Henry Gower, KCMG, MP
Member for Henty, Vic., 14.11.1925 – 13.8.1940 (died)
Nationalist
UAP from 1931
Resigned as Minister without Portfolio,
Directing Negotiations for Trade Treaties, on 11.3.1937 over the proposed
trade treaty with Canada, and because he believed his views did not receive
adequate Cabinet support.
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1938
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McLachlan, Senator
the Hon. Alexander John
Senator for SA, 24.2.1926 – 30.6.1944
(retired)
Nationalist
Senator McLachlan resigned as
Postmaster-General on 7.11.1938 because of a conflict of interest between his
position as Postmaster-General and his directorship of the Hume Pipe Company.
This company had been awarded increasingly substantial contracts with the
Postmaster-General’s Department. The Opposition had placed a question on
notice concerning this apparent conflict of interest, and this led to Senator
McLachlan’s resignation, which was announced by Mr Lyons to the House of
Representatives on 3.11.1938.[9]
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2nd Lyons
Ministry (UAP–CP Coalition) 7.11.1938 – 7.4.1939
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1938
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White, The Hon.
Thomas Walton
Member for Balaclava, Vic., 3.8.1929 – 20.6.1951 (resigned)
Nationalist
UAP from 1931
Liberal from 1944
Mr White resigned as Minister for Trade
and Customs on 8.11.1938. Immediately following Prime Minister Lyons’s
announcement to the House of Representatives of his re-formed Ministry on
8.11.1938, Mr White informed the House of his letter of resignation which he
had sent earlier in the day to the Prime Minister.[10] Mr White resigned
because of Mr Lyons’s decision to form an inner policy group of Cabinet—from
which Mr White was omitted—and because of disagreement over defence policy.
Responding, Mr Lyons reproduced his letter in reply to Mr White,[11] and accused Mr White of
pique over the order of precedence within the Cabinet.
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1939
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Menzies, The Rt
Hon. Robert Gordon, KC, MP
Member for Kooyong, Vic., 15.9.1934 – 17.2.1966 (resigned)
UAP
Liberal from 1944
Mr Menzies resigned as Attorney-General,
Minister for Industry and Deputy Leader of the UAP on 20.3.1939 in protest
against the Government’s decision not to proceed with its proposed national
insurance scheme. Mr Menzies’s resignation was seen not only as a matter of
principle, but also as a means whereby, divested of Cabinet and party
responsibilities, he could raise the issue of Party leadership.
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Page Ministry (CP–UAP
Coalition) 7.4.1939 – 26.4.1939
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1939
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Page, The Rt Hon.
Sir Earle Christmas Grafton, GCMG, MP
Member for Cowper, NSW,
13.12.1919 – 9.12.1961 (defeated)
CP
Following the death of Prime Minister Lyons
on 7.4.1939, the Leader of the Country Party (CP), Sir Earle Page, was sworn
in as Prime Minister. He was committed to resigning when the United Australia
Party (UAP) chose its new leader. Sir Earle tried to engineer the return of
Mr Bruce to the UAP. The CP resolved not to enter into a coalition or to
give any undertaking of support to a government led by Mr Menzies. When Mr
Menzies was elected leader of the UAP on 18.4.1939, Sir Earle resigned as
Prime Minister (effective on 26.4.1939). His resignation speech to the House
of Representatives on 20.4.1939 contained an extraordinary and vituperative
political and personal attack on Mr Menzies. As a result of the attack, the
CP split and it was excluded from the Menzies Ministry until 14.3.1940. Sir
Earle resigned as leader and was replaced by Mr Cameron on 13.9.1939.
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1st Menzies Ministry (UAP)
26.4.1939 – 14.3.1940
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1940
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Casey, The Rt Hon.
Richard Gardiner, PC, DSO, MC, MP
Member for Corio, Vic., 19.12.1931 – 30.1.1940
Member for La Trobe, Vic.,
10.12.1949 – 10.2.1960 (resigned)
UAP to 1940
Liberal from 1949
Mr Casey resigned on
26.1.1940 as Minister for Supply and Development to become Australian
Ambassador to the United States of America. Mr Casey was a potential threat
to Mr Menzies’s leadership, and the appointment was a means of removing that
threat.
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1940
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Lawson, The Hon.
John Norman, MP
Member for Macquarie, NSW,
19.12.1931 – 21.9.1940 (defeated)
UAP
Mr Lawson resigned on 23.2.1940 as
Minister for Trade and Customs after it became known that he had leased a
racehorse from Mr WJ Smith, the managing director of Australian Consolidated
Industries, with whom Mr Lawson was negotiating the Motor Vehicles Agreement.
The Motor Vehicles Agreement Bill 1940 was intended to establish a motor
vehicle industry by conferring a monopoly on ACI Ltd. Eventually the monopoly
provision was omitted. Because of this omission, and because of wartime
difficulties, the agreement never came into effect.
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2nd Menzies Ministry (UAP–CP Coalition) 14.3.1940 – 28.10.1940
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3rd Menzies
Ministry (UAP) 28.10.1940 – 29.8.1941
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1941
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Menzies, The Rt
Hon. Robert Gordon, KC, MP
Member for Kooyong, Vic., 15.9.1934 – 17.2.1966 (resigned)
UAP
Liberal from 1944
Mr Menzies resigned as Prime Minister on
29.8.1941 after dissatisfaction with his leadership had led to months of
instability within the UAP. Following his return from Great Britain for war
discussions, it became apparent that he could no longer command support in
Parliament. The ALP rejected his offer to join in a national government. Mr
Menzies informed the Parliamentary UAP of his intention to resign as Prime
Minister on the night of 28.8.1941, and a joint UAP–CP meeting chose the
Leader of the Country Party, Mr Fadden, as Prime Minister-elect.
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Fadden Ministry
(CP–UAP Coalition) 29.8.1941 – 7.10.1941
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1941
|
Fadden, The Hon.
Arthur William, MP
Member for Darling Downs, Qld,
19.12.1936 – 10.12.1949
Member for McPherson, Qld, 10.12.1949 – 14.10.1958 (retired)
CP
Mr Fadden resigned as
Prime Minister after being defeated on the floor of the House of
Representatives on 3.10.1941. This defeat occurred after the two Independents—Mr
Arthur Coles (Henty, Vic.) and Mr Alexander Wilson (Wimmera, Vic.)—voted
against the Government on Mr Curtin’s amendment to Mr Fadden’s Budget. Mr
Fadden’s resignation took effect on 7.10.1941, when the Curtin Government was
sworn in.
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Forde Ministry (ALP) 6.7.1945 – 13.7.1945
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1945
|
Forde, The Rt Hon.
Francis Michael, MP
Member for Capricornia, Qld,
16.12.1922 – 28.9.1946 (defeated)
ALP
FLP from 1931
ALP from 1936
On the death of Prime
Minister Curtin on 5.7.1945, Mr Frank Forde, the Deputy Leader and the
Minister for the Army—who had only three days earlier returned from an
overseas mission—was sworn in as Prime Minister. During Mr Forde’s absence at
the United Nations Conference on International Organization in San
Francisco, the Treasurer, Mr Chifley, had been Acting Prime Minister. The ALP
Caucus met to elect its new Leader on 12.7.1945. The candidates were Mr
Forde, Mr Chifley, Mr Makin and Dr Evatt. Mr Chifley won the first
ballot easily. Mr Forde resigned as Prime Minister on 13.7.1945 and Mr
Chifley was sworn in on the same day.
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1st
Chifley Ministry (ALP) 13.7.1945 – 1.11.1946
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2nd Chifley Ministry (ALP)
1.11.1946 – 19.12.1949
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1946
|
Beasley, The Hon.
John Albert, MP
Member for West Sydney, NSW,
17.11.1928 – 14.8.1946 (resigned)
ALP
Lang Labor from 1931
ALP from 1936
ALP (Anti-Communist) from 1940
ALP from 1943
Mr Beasley resigned on
14.8.1948 as Minister for Defence to become Australian High Commissioner to the
United Kingdom.
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1946
|
Makin, The Hon.
Norman John Oswald, MP
Member for Hindmarsh, SA,
13.12.1919 – 14.8.1946
Member for Sturt, SA, 29.5.1954 – 10.12.1955
Member for Bonython, SA, 10.12.1955 – 1.11.1963 (retired)
ALP
FLP from 1931
ALP from 1936.
Mr Makin resigned as Minister for the
Navy, Minister for Munitions and Minister for Aircraft Production on
15.8.1946 to become Australian Ambassador to the United States of America.
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4th Menzies
Ministry (Lib) 19.12.1949 – 11.5.1951
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1951
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Spender, The Hon. Percy
Claude, KC, MP
Member for Warringah, NSW,
23.10.1937 – 19.3.1951 (retired)
Independent UAP
UAP from 1940
Liberal from 1944
Mr Spender resigned as
Minister for External Affairs on 26.4.1951, was appointed Australian
Ambassador to the United States of America on 13.3.1951, and resigned from
the House of Representatives on 19.3.1951. Mr Casey replaced him as
Minister for External Affairs on 26.4.1951.
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5th
Menzies Ministry (Lib) 11.5.1951 – 11.1.1956
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6th Menzies
Ministry (Lib) 11.11.1956 – 18.12.1963
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1956
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Harrison, The Rt
Hon. Sir Eric John, KCVO, MP
Member for Wentworth, NSW,
19.12.1931 – 17.10.1956 (resigned)
UAP
Liberal from 1944
Sir Eric Harrison resigned as
Vice-President of the Executive Council and Minister for Defence Production
on 24.10.1956 to become Australian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.
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1958
|
Beale, The Hon. Oliver Howard, QC, MP
Member for Parramatta, NSW,
28.9. 1945 – 10.2.1958 (resigned)
Liberal
Mr
Beale resigned as Minister for Defence Production on 10.2.1958 on appointment as Australia’s
Ambassador to the United States of America.
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1960
|
Casey, The Rt Hon.
Richard Gardiner, PC, DSO, MC, MP
Member for Corio, Vic., 19.12.1931 – 30.1.1940
Member for La Trobe, Vic.,
10.12.1949 – 10.2.1960 (resigned)
UAP
Liberal from 1949
Lord Casey resigned as Minister for
External Affairs 4.2.1960 on having been created a life peer. He resigned
from Parliament several days later. Lord Casey was Governor-General from
22.9.1965 to 30.4.1969.
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1962
|
Bury, The Hon.
Leslie Harry Ernest, MP
Member for Wentworth, NSW,
18.12.1956 – 11.4.1974 (retired)
Liberal
Mr Bury resigned as Minister for Air on
27.7.1962 after differing publicly with the known views of the Prime Minister
and the Minister for Trade on the impact on Australia of British membership
of the European Economic Community.
|
7th Menzies
Ministry (Lib) 18.12.1963 – 26.1.1966
|
1964
|
Barwick, The Rt Hon.
Sir Garfield Edward John, QC, MP
Member for Parramatta, NSW,
8.3.1958 – 24.4.1964 (resigned)
Liberal
Sir Garfield Barwick resigned as
Minister for External Affairs on 24.4.1964 on appointment as Chief Justice of
the High Court of Australia.
|
1965
|
Roberton, The Hon.
Hugh Stevenson, MP
Member for Riverina, NSW,
10.12.1949 – 21.1.1965 (resigned)
CP
Mr Roberton resigned as Minister for
Social Services on 21.1.1965 to become Australian Ambassador to the Republic
of Eire.
|
1966
|
Menzies, The Rt
Hon. Robert Gordon, KT, CH, QC, MP
Member for Kooyong, Vic.,
15.9.1934 – 17.2.1966 (resigned)
UAP
Liberal from 1944
Sir Robert Menzies, Australia’s
longest-serving Prime Minister, resigned on 26.1.1966, having served in that
position since 19.12.1949—a period of 16 years 1 month and 8 days. (He had an
earlier period as Prime Minister from 26.4.1939 to 29.8.1941; another 2 years
4 months and 4 days.) Sir Robert was succeeded by his party’s Deputy Leader and
Treasurer, Mr Holt, as the unanimous choice of the Parliamentary Liberal
Party. (Mr Holt was Prime Minister until his disappearance on
17.12.1967.)
|
1st Holt Ministry (Lib–CP Coalition) 26.1.1966 – 14.12.1966
|
2nd Holt Ministry (Lib–CP Coalition) 14.12.1966 – 19.12.1967
|
McEwen Ministry (Lib–CP
Coalition) 9.12.1967 – 10.1.1968
|
1968
|
McEwen, The Rt Hon.
John, MP
Member for Echuca, Vic., 15.9.1934 – 23.10.1937
Member for Indi, Vic., 23.10.1937 –
10.12.1949
Member for Murray, Vic.,
10.12.1949 – 1.2.1971 (resigned)
CP
LCL from 1940
CP from 1943
Mr McEwen, the Leader of
the Country Party, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry
in the Holt Government, was sworn in as caretaker Prime Minister on
19.12.1967, two days after the disappearance of Prime Minister Holt off
Cheviot Beach, Victoria. Though there were suggestions that Mr McEwen—a
politician of lengthy experience and formidable repute—should remain Prime
Minister, he undertook, when appointed, to resign when the Liberal Party
elected its new Leader. He caused a political furore by making it known that
the Country Party would withdraw from the Coalition should the Treasurer, Mr
McMahon, be elected as the Leader of the Liberal Party. There had been
considerable antagonism between the two for some time over economic and
tariffs policy, which had placed strains on the Coalition. In the face of
this veto, Mr McMahon withdrew from the leadership contest. The Liberal Party
elected the Victorian Senator John Gorton as Leader. Mr McEwen resigned, and
Senator Gorton was sworn in as Prime Minister on 10.1.1968. Senator Gorton
resigned from the Senate on 1.2.1968 and was elected to the House of
Representatives in the by-election for Mr Holt’s seat of Higgins. Mr McEwen
retired from Parliament on 1.2.1971. When, shortly afterwards, Mr Gorton
resigned as Prime Minister after a political crisis over his leadership (see
below), the Country Party abandoned its veto on Mr McMahon, who then
became the new Prime Minister.
|
1st Gorton Ministry (Lib–CP Coalition) 10.1.1968 – 28.2.1968
|
2nd Gorton Ministry (Lib–CP
Coalition) 28.2.1968 – 12.11.1969
|
1969
|
Hasluck, The Rt
Hon. Paul Meernaa Caedwalla, MP
Member for Curtin, WA,
10.12.1949 – 10.2.1969 (resigned)
Liberal
Prime Minister Gorton announced Mr Hasluck’s appointment as Governor-General of Australia on
10.2.1969. Mr Hasluck resigned as Minister for External Affairs on 11.2.1969
and was sworn in as Governor-General on 30.4.1969, serving until 11.7.1974.
|
1969
|
Fairbairn, The Hon.
David Eric, MP
Member for Farrer, NSW,
10.12.1949 – 11.11.1975 (retired)
Liberal
Mr Fairbairn resigned as Minister for
National Development on 12.11.1969. After the election for the House of
Representatives 25.10.1969, when the Gorton Government was returned with a
greatly reduced majority, Mr Fairbairn announced on 30.10.1969 that he would not serve in a Gorton Ministry. He was
critical of Mr Gorton’s leadership, and instanced the Prime Minister’s
management of Commonwealth–State financial relations and the way in which Mr
Gorton had antagonised the Democratic Labor Party (on whose preferences the
Liberal Party relied). Mr Fairbairn contested the leadership of the Liberal
Party on 7.11.1969. Mr Gorton was re-elected leader, and Mr Fairbairn
then resigned from the Ministry. After Mr Gorton’s resignation as Prime
Minister on 10.3.1971, Mr Fairbairn returned to the ministry as Minister for
Education and Science on 22.3.1971, and on 13.8.1971 succeeded Mr Gorton as
Minister for Defence.
|
3rd
Gorton Ministry (Lib–CP Coalition) 12.11.1969 – 10.3.1971
|
1971
|
Fraser, The Hon.
John Malcolm, MP
Member for Wannon, Vic., 10.12.1955 – 31.3.1983 (resigned)
Liberal
Mr Fraser resigned as
Minister for Defence on 8.3.1971 because of a conflict between himself and
the Army, in which the Prime Minister became involved. In a statement to the House of Representatives the following day, Mr Fraser accused Prime Minister Gorton
of significant disloyalty to a senior minister. Mr Fraser’s resignation
precipitated the political crisis leading to Prime Minister Gorton’s subsequent
resignation.
|
1971
|
Gorton, The Rt Hon.
John Grey, MP
Member for Higgins, Vic., 24.2.1968 – 11.11.1975 (retired)
Senator for Victoria, 22.2.1950 – 1.2.1968 (resigned)
Liberal
Mr Gorton resigned as Prime Minister after an extensive period of dissatisfaction
within the Liberal Party with his leadership, culminating in the resignation
of Mr Fraser (above). Following Mr Fraser’s resignation, at a meeting of the
parliamentary Liberal Party on 10.3.1971, a motion of confidence in Mr Gorton’s
leadership was tied at 33:33. Mr Gorton then used his casting vote against
the motion. Mr McMahon was then elected Leader and Mr Gorton was elected
Deputy Leader, becoming Minister for Defence in the McMahon Ministry.
|
McMahon Ministry (Lib–CP
Coalition) 10.3.1971 – 5.12.1972
|
1971
|
Rankin, Senator The
Hon. Dame Annabelle Jane Mary, DBE
Senator for Queensland,
1.7.1947 – 24.5.1971 (resigned)
Liberal
Senator Dame Annabelle
Rankin resigned as Minister for Housing on 22.3.1971 to become Australian
High Commissioner to New Zealand.
|
1971
|
Bury, The Hon.
Leslie Harry Ernest, MP
Member for Wentworth, NSW,
18.12.1956 – 11.4.1974 (retired)
Liberal
Mr Bury resigned as Minister for Foreign
Affairs on 2.8.1971 after public disagreements with the Prime Minister on
foreign policy, particularly over Australia’s relations with China.
|
1971
|
Gorton, The Rt Hon.
John Grey, MP
Member for Higgins, Vic., 24.2.1968 – 11.11.1975 (retired)
Senator for Victoria, 22.2.1950 – 1.2.1968 (resigned)
Liberal
Mr Gorton resigned as Minister for
Defence on 13.8.1971. In August 1971 The Australian had published
several newspaper articles by Mr Gorton defending his prime ministership.
Prime Minister McMahon believed that the articles breached the principle of
Cabinet solidarity and unity, and required Mr Gorton to resign.
|
1st Whitlam Ministry (ALP) 5.12.1972 – 19.12.1972
|
2nd Whitlam Ministry (ALP) 19.12.1972 – 12.6.1974
|
3rd
Whitlam Ministry (ALP) 12.6.1974 –
11.11.1975
|
1975
|
Murphy, Senator The
Hon. Lionel Keith, QC
Senator for NSW, 1.7.1962 – 9.2.1975
(resigned)
ALP
Senator Murphy resigned
on 10.2.1975 as Attorney-General and Minister for Customs and Excise to take
up appointment as a Justice of the High Court of Australia.
|
1975
|
Barnard, The Hon.
Lance Herbert, MP
Member for Bass, Tas.,
29.5.1954 – 2.6.1975 (resigned)
ALP
Mr Barnard resigned on 6.6.1975 as Minister for Defence to become Australian Ambassador
to Sweden, Norway and Finland. His appointment to the diplomatic post was announced on 23.6.1975.
|
1975
|
Cameron, The Hon.
Clyde Robert, MP
Member for Hindmarsh, SA,
10.12.1949 – 19.9.1980 (retired)
ALP
When Prime Minister Whitlam reshuffled
his Cabinet in June 1975, Mr Cameron refused to relinquish his Ministry.
Upon the request of the Prime Minister, Mr Cameron’s commission as
Minister for Labour and Immigration was terminated by the Governor-General on
6.6.1975. He was then appointed Minister for Science and Consumer Affairs on
7.6.1976, replacing Mr Morrison (who occupied the position for one day).
|
1975
|
Cairns, The Hon. Dr
James Ford, MP
Member for Yarra, Vic., 10.12.1955 – 25.10.1969
Member for Lalor, Vic., 25.10.1969
– 10.11.1977 (retired)
ALP
Dr Cairns was removed from the Treasury portfolio on 6.6.1975,
because of alleged irregularities in his attempts to obtain overseas loans.
Dr Cairns had authorised Mr George Harris, a Melbourne businessman, to make
loans enquiries. When the Prime Minister became aware of these loan-raising
activities, he moved Dr Cairns from the Treasury portfolio and appointed him
as Minister for the Environment. The Opposition continued to investigate the Loans
Affair. In response to a question from the Opposition on 4.6.1975, Dr Cairns
denied offering any commission. However, a letter from Dr Cairns to Mr Harris
on 7.3.1975—appearing to commit the Government to payment of a commission—was
subsequently published. The Prime Minister did not regard Dr Cairns’s
explanations of his conflicting statements as satisfactory. Dr Cairns refused
to resign, and was dismissed as Minister for the Environment and Deputy Prime Minister on
2.7.1975 for misleading Parliament.
|
1975
|
Connor, The Hon.
Reginald Francis Xavier, MP
Member for Cunningham, NSW,
30.11.1963 – 22.8.1977 (died)
ALP
Mr Connor resigned as Minister for Minerals and Energy on
14.10.1975, after it was shown he had misled Parliament about the Loans
Affair. An Executive Council meeting of 13.12.1974 had authorised Mr Connor
to borrow up to US$4 billion (reduced in January 1975 to US$2 billion).
Following parliamentary questions by the Opposition, extensive leaks and immense
publicity, the authority was revoked on 20.5.1975. A special meeting of the
House of Representatives was held on 9.7.1975 to discuss the overseas loans
negotiations, during which the Government tabled the relevant documents.
Mr Connor resigned after it was shown that, contrary to his assurances to the Prime
Minister that all overseas loans discussions had been terminated and that all
communications of substance between Mr Connor and Mr Tirath Khemlani had been
tabled on 9.7.1975, there had been communications at least until 23.5.1975—three
days after Mr Connor’s authority to negotiate the loan had been revoked.
|
1975
|
Whitlam, The Hon.
Edward Gough, QC, MP
Member for Werriwa, NSW,
29.11.1952 – 31.7.1978 (resigned)
ALP
On 11.11.1975 the Governor-General, Sir
John Kerr, terminated Mr Whitlam’s commission as Prime Minister. The
dismissal of the Whitlam Ministry occurred because of the deadlock over
Supply between the House of Representatives and Senate. The Opposition in the
Senate had refused to pass the Budget until the Prime Minister agreed to call
an election. This Mr Whitlam refused to do, but called on the
Governor-General on 11.11.1975 to advise that an election for half the Senate
be held. The Governor-General then dismissed the Prime Minister and appointed
the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Fraser, as caretaker Prime Minister. Mr
Fraser then obtained a simultaneous dissolution of Parliament. The conditions
for a simultaneous dissolution had been satisfied because the Opposition in
the Senate had twice rejected or failed to pass 21 government Bills. The
election of 13.12.1975 resulted in the election of the Fraser Government.
|
1st Fraser Ministry (Lib–CP Coalition) 11.11.1975 – 22.12.1975
|
2nd
Fraser Ministry (Lib–CP Coalition) 22.12.1975 – 20.12.1977
|
1976
|
Garland, The Hon.
Ransley Victor, MP
Member for Curtin, WA,
19.4.1969 – 22.1.1981 (resigned)
Liberal
Mr Garland resigned as Minister for Post and Telecommunications on 6.2.1976 because of
allegations that he had committed bribery offences under the Commonwealth
Electoral Act 1918. The matter was brought before a magistrate. The Chief
Magistrate of the ACT, Charles Kilduff, dismissed the case on 8.3.1976 ,
saying that a properly directed jury would fail to convict Mr Garland.
|
1977
|
Ellicott, The Hon.
Robert James QC, MP
Member for Wentworth, NSW,
18.5.1974 – 17.2.1981 (resigned)
Liberal
Mr Ellicott resigned as Attorney-General on 6.9.1977 in protest against Cabinet’s
decision that the Sankey case should be taken over by the Government, and
that proceedings should be terminated. The Sankey case was an action brought
in 1976 by Sydney solicitor Mr Danny Sankey against former Prime Minister
Whitlam and former ministers Justice Murphy, Dr Cairns and Mr Connor. They
were charged with conspiring to deceive the Governor-General and with
conspiring to effect an unlawful purpose, in contravention of the Financial
Agreement, through the decision of the Executive Council in December 1974 to
authorise negotiation of a US$4 billion loan for temporary purposes. Mr
Sankey’s lawyers requested the Government to take over the proceedings. Mr
Ellicott regarded Cabinet’s decision that he should terminate the proceedings
as interference in the exercise of his duties as First Law Officer of the
Crown, and resigned. On 16.2.1979, Mr Leo, SM, in the Queanbeyan Court of
Petty Sessions, dismissed the charges.
|
1977
|
Lynch, The Rt Hon.
Phillip Reginald, MP
Member for Flinders, Vic., 26.11.1966 – 22.10.1982 (resigned)
Liberal
Mr Lynch resigned as Treasurer on
19.11.1977, during the 1977 election campaign, after evidence at a judicial
inquiry in Victoria by Sir Gregory Gowans had linked him to land speculation
in Victoria.[12] Following the elections, a legal
opinion by Mr Stephen Charles, QC, found that Mr Lynch had done nothing
illegal. Though an independent report, commissioned by Mr Fraser of Mr
Richard Searby, QC, expressed reservations about the propriety of Mr Lynch’s
deals, Mr Lynch was reinstated in Cabinet after the election, becoming
Minister for Industry and Commerce on 20.12.1977.
|
1977
|
Cotton, Senator The
Hon. Robert Carrington
Senator for NSW, 4.8.1965 – 13.7.1978
(resigned)
Liberal
Senator Cotton resigned as Minister for Industry and Commerce on 20.12.1977 to become
Consul-General in New York.
|
3rd
Fraser Ministry (Lib–CP Coalition) 20.12.1977 – 3.11.1980
|
1977
|
Sheil, Senator
Glenister
Senator for Queensland,
18.5.1974[13] – 6.2.1981 (resigned), 1.12.1984 – 30.6.1990
(defeated)
CP, NP
Named as a Minister on 20.12.1977,
Senator Sheil was dismissed before being sworn in as Minister for Veterans’
Affairs, after making pro-apartheid statements that were contrary to
government policy. He had been sworn in as a member of the Executive Council
that morning, but his ministerial appointment was to be delayed until
Parliament amended the Ministers of State Act to allow for one more
minister. The Prime Minister announced on 21.12.1977 that he did not intend to proceed with Senator Sheil’s
appointment.
|
1978
|
Withers, Senator
The Rt Hon. Reginald Greive
Senator for WA, 17.2.1966 – 25.11.1966,
1.7.1968 – 5.6.1987 (retired)
Liberal
Senator Withers was dismissed as Minister for Administrative Services on 7.8.1978, after the
McGregor Royal Commission inquiry into the electoral redistribution in
Queensland found that Senator Withers had acted with impropriety in
telephoning the Chief Electoral Officer with suggestions about the names of
electorates.
|
1979
|
Robinson, The Hon.
Eric Laidlaw, MP
Member for McPherson, Qld,
2.12.1972 – 7.1.1981 (died)
Liberal
Mr Robinson resigned as Minister for Finance on 23.2.1979 because of his inability to
give Prime Minister Fraser his unqualified support. He reconsidered his
position and rejoined the Ministry on 27.2.1979. The precise nature of the
disagreement was not divulged officially.
|
1979
|
Sinclair, The Rt
Hon. Ian McCahon, MP
Member for New England, NSW,
30.11.1963 – 31.8.1998 (retired)
CP, NP
Mr Sinclair resigned as Minister for Primary Industry and Deputy Leader of the National Country Party on 27.9.1979, following a report into the Sinclair family
companies by the NSW Corporate Affairs Commission and pending the outcome of
changes arising from the findings of the report. The Finnane report found
that Mr Sinclair had committed forgery and other offences. Criminal charges
were brought against him. He was acquitted of all charges in August 1980 and
immediately reinstated in Cabinet, becoming Minister for Special Trade Representations on
19.8.1980. After the election of 18.10.1980 he became Minister for
Communications on 3.11.1980.
|
1979
|
Webster, Senator
The Hon. James Joseph
Senator for Victoria, 9.12.1964 – 28.1.1980 (resigned)
CP
Senator Webster resigned as Minister for Science and the Environment on 8.12.1979 to become
Australian High Commissioner to New Zealand.
|
4th
Fraser Ministry (Lib–CP then Lib–NP Coalition) 3.11.1980 – 11.3.1983
|
1980
|
Garland, The Hon. Ransley
Victor, MP
Member for Curtin, WA,
19.4.1969 – 22.1.1981 (resigned)
Liberal
Mr Garland, the Minister for Business
and Consumer Affairs, contested the election of 18.10.1980, but shortly
afterwards indicated his interest in serving in another capacity. He resigned on 3.11.1980 and was appointed Australian High Commissioner to the
United Kingdom.
|
1980
|
McLeay, The Hon.
John Elden, MP
Member for Boothby, SA,
26.11.1966 – 22.1.1981 (resigned)
Liberal
Mr McLeay, the Minister for
Administrative Services, contested the election of 18.10.1980, but asked not
to be considered in the new Ministry and indicated his willingness to serve
in other capacities. He resigned from the Ministry on 3.11.1980, and was appointed Consul-General in
Los Angeles on 11.12.1980.
|
1981
|
Ellicott, The Hon.
Robert James, QC, MP
Member for Wentworth, NSW,
18.5.1974 – 17.2.1981 (resigned)
Liberal
Mr Ellicott resigned as Minister for Home Affairs and Environment on 17.2.1981, to become
a judge of the Federal Court of Australia.
|
1981
|
Peacock, The Hon.
Andrew Sharp, MP
Member for Kooyong, Vic., 2.4.1966 – 17.9.1994 (resigned)
Liberal
Mr Peacock resigned as Minister for Industrial Relations on 16.4.1981 because of alleged
disloyalty to him and undermining of his ministerial authority by the Prime
Minister; he made a statement in the House of Representatives on 28.4.1981. Mr Peacock later
announced that he would stand against Mr Fraser in the event of a leadership
contest, but no contest occurred until 9.4.1982, when Mr Fraser defeated Mr
Peacock 54:27. Mr Peacock returned to Cabinet as Minister for Industry and
Commerce on 11.10.1982, and resigned from Parliament on 17.9.1994.
|
1982
|
MacKellar, The Hon.
Michael John Randal, MP
Member for Warringah, NSW,
25.10.1969 – 18.2.1994 (resigned)
Liberal
Mr MacKellar resigned as Minister for Health on 20.4.1982 over his non-payment of duty on
a colour TV set he imported and the submission in his name of an incorrect
Customs declaration form.
|
1982
|
Moore, The Hon.
John Colinton, MP
Member for Ryan, Qld,
13.12.1975 – 5.2.2001 (resigned)
Liberal
Mr Moore resigned as Minister for Business and Consumer Affairs on 20.4.1982 over
deficiencies in his handling of the payment of duty on the colour TV set
imported by the Minister for Health, Mr Michael MacKellar.
|
1st Hawke
Ministry (ALP) 11.3.1983 – 13.12.1984
|
1983
|
Young, The Hon.
Michael Jerome, MP
Member for Port Adelaide, SA,
18.5.1975 – 12.2.1988 (resigned)
ALP
Mr Young resigned as Special Minister of State and Vice-President of the Executive Council on 14.7.1983, following the revelation that Mr Young had disclosed to
businessman Mr Rod Cameron and lobbyist Mr Eric Walsh that the Government was
about to expel a Soviet diplomat, Mr Valeriy Ivanov. Mr Young had thus
committed a breach of national security. The Government appointed a Royal
Commission headed by Justice Hope to investigate the security implications of
the Combe–Ivanov affair. The Report of the Royal Commission in December 1983
found that Mr Young had acted improperly. Despite this, Mr Young was reinstated in the Ministry on 21.1.1984, after being elected unopposed by
Caucus to the vacancy created by his resignation.
|
1984
|
On 26.7.1984 Mr Young was asked by Prime Minister Hawke to stand aside to enable an inquiry to
be held into his failure to make a correct Customs declaration for
unaccompanied baggage he had sent back to Australia from London.[14] The inquiry was
conducted by Mr M Black, QC. On 17.8.1984, Mr Black concluded that Mr Young
was not guilty of impropriety. Mr Young resumed his ministerial duties on 17.8.1984.
|
2nd Hawke
Ministry (ALP) 13.12.1984 – 24.7.1987
|
1987
|
Grimes, Senator The
Hon. Donald James
Senator for Tasmania,
18.5.1974 – 2.4.1987 (resigned)
ALP
Senator Grimes resigned as Minister for Community Services on 16.2.1987. His appointment as
Australia’s Ambassador to the Netherlands was announced on 28.5.1987.
|
3rd Hawke
Ministry (ALP) 24.7.1987 – 4.4.1990
|
1987
|
Hurford, The Hon.
Christopher John, MP
Member for Adelaide, SA,
25.10.1969 – 31.12.1987 (resigned)
ALP
Mr Hurford announced his resignation as Minister for Community Services and Minister assisting the Treasurer on 21.7.1987, to take effect on 24.7.1987. Between
the election of 11.7.1987, and the Ministerial restructuring and reshuffle of
24.7.1987, Mr Hurford agreed to withdraw from the Ministry in order to
accommodate the Prime Minister’s wish to change the membership and structure
of the Ministry. Mr Hurford resigned from the House of Representatives on
31.12.1987, on the announcement of his appointment as Australia’s
Consul-General in New York.
|
1987
|
Brown, The Hon.
John Joseph, MP
Member for Parramatta, NSW,
10.12.1977 – 19.2.1990 (retired)
ALP
Mr Brown resigned as Minister for the Arts, Sport, the Environment, Tourism and Territories on 18.12.1987, when it was shown he had misled Parliament about
the Expo tendering process.
|
1988
|
Ryan, Senator The Hon.
Susan Maree
Senator for the ACT,
13.12.1975 – 29.1.1988 (resigned)
ALP
Senator Ryan resigned as Special
Minister of State and Minister assisting the Prime Minister for the Status of
Women on 19.1.1988, and resigned from the Senate on 29.1.1988. Senator Ryan
had been Minister for Education and Youth Affairs from 11.3.1983 to
13.12.1984, and Minister for Education from 13.12.1984 until 24.7.1987.
Senator Ryan was a member of the Cabinet for the entire period. In the
reshuffle following the 1987 double dissolution, Prime Minister Hawke created
a different ministerial structure, in which departments were amalgamated into
‘mega-departments’ under the control of Cabinet ministers. In this new
structure, junior ministers were allocated specific responsibilities within
the enlarged ministerial portfolios. Senator Ryan lost her portfolio, but not
her Cabinet status, and was given the relatively minor position of Special
Minister of State within the Prime Minister’s portfolio. Her resignation from the ministry was announced on 16.12.1987. The change in responsibilities and loss of influence
led to her retirement from politics within six months.
|
1988
|
Young, The Hon.
Michael Jerome, MP
Member for Port Adelaide, SA,
18.5.1975 – 12.2.1988 (resigned)
ALP
Mr Young resigned from the House of Representatives on 8.2.1988, and as Minister for
Immigration, Local Government and Ethnic Affairs on 12.2.1988, after it was
revealed that an election donation made to the ALP by Harris-Daishowa Pty Ltd
was put into the party’s administration account instead of being used for the
specified purpose of election campaign funds. This diversion of funds avoided
the required disclosure of election donations. Initially the NSW ALP
Secretary, Mr Stephen Loosley, said that Mr Young had directed that the
donation be placed in the administration account. A subsequent check of ALP
files exonerated Mr Young, and Mr Loosley accepted all responsibility.[15] However, Mr Young, upset
by media coverage of the incident, decided to retire from politics.
|
1988
|
Hayden, The Hon.
William George, MP
Member for Oxley, Qld,
9.12.1961 – 17.8.1988 (resigned)
ALP
Mr Hayden resigned as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, and from Parliament on
17.8.1988, on the announcement that he was to succeed Sir Ninian Stephen as Governor-General.
Mr Hayden was sworn in as Governor-General on 16.2.1989 and served until
16.2.1996.
|
1989
|
Punch, The Hon.
Gary Francis, MP
Member for Barton, NSW,
5.3.1983 – 21.1.1996 (retired)
ALP
Mr Punch resigned as Minister for Telecommunications and Aviation Support on 28.3.1989
because of his opposition to the decision made by Cabinet on 22.3.1989 to
construct a third runway at Sydney Airport. After the Cabinet decision had
been announced, Mr Punch considered the Prime Minister’s offer to transfer
him to the Defence Science and Personnel portfolio but decided to resign from
the Ministry.
|
4th Hawke
Ministry (ALP) 4.4.1990 – 20.12.1991
|
1990
|
Bowen, The Hon.
Lionel Frost, MP
Member for Kingsford-Smith,
NSW, 18.10.1969 – 19.2.1990 (retired)
ALP
Mr Bowen retired from the House of
Representatives on its dissolution for the 1990 election, and resigned as
Deputy Prime Minister, Attorney-General and Minister assisting the Prime
Minister for Commonwealth–State Relations when the new ministry was sworn in
on 4.4.1990. Mr Bowen was the second-last member of the Hawke Ministry who
had been a minister in the Whitlam Government.
|
1990
|
Holding, The Hon.
Allan Clyde, MP
Member for Melbourne Ports,
Vic., 10.12.1977 – 31.8.1998
(retired)
ALP
Despite earlier pressure to stand down
from the ministry in 1987, Mr Holding stayed on, but agreed not to recontest
the ministry at the next post-election ballot. He resigned as Minister for
Arts, Tourism and Territories, and Minister assisting the Minister for
Immigration, Local Government and Ethnic Affairs on 4.4.1990 when the new ministry
was sworn in.
|
1990
|
Reynolds, Senator
The Hon. Margaret
Senator for Queensland,
5.3.1983 – 30.6.1999 (retired)
ALP
Senator Reynolds had decided before the
1990 election not to recontest the ministry if the Hawke Government was
re-elected. Her decision was based on the philosophy that government processes
benefited from the sharing of power, and that it was an appropriate time to
give another member of Caucus the opportunity to become a minister. She had
been elected to the ministry in 1983 because of the Prime Minister’s
insistence that it should have female representation (with each faction being
required to nominate at least one female candidate), and that it should have representation
from Queensland. Senator Reynolds hoped that this policy of gender and
geographic representation would be continued in the new ministry. She
resigned as Minister for Local Government and Minister assisting the Prime
Minister on the Status of Women on 4.4.1990, when the new Ministry was sworn
in. Ms Wendy Fatin, the member for Brand, WA, replaced Senator Reynolds as
the female nominee of the Left faction.
|
1990
|
Walsh, Senator The
Hon. Peter Alexander
Senator for WA, 18.5.1974 – 30.6.1993
(retired)
ALP
Senator Walsh eventually decided not to
recontest the ministry after the 1990 election, after a period of poor health
during 1990, coupled with increasing dissatisfaction with government economic
policy and management, and with the leadership of Prime Minister Hawke. Senator
Walsh had made several threats to resign earlier, but had been dissuaded.
After the 1990 election, he contemplated relinquishing the Finance portfolio
and undertaking a new portfolio, but his preferences were not available.
After a long discussion with Prime Minister Hawke, which confirmed his view
that the direction of economic policy would not change, the Senator decided to resign. He did this on the basis that his replacement
would be Mr Gordon Bilney. Senator Walsh resigned as Minister for Finance on
4.4.1990, when the new ministry was sworn in.
|
1990
|
Duncan, The Hon.
Peter, MP
Member for Makin, SA,
1.12.1984 – 2.3.1996 (defeated)
ALP
Having lost the factional backing of the
Left, Mr Duncan did not recontest the ballot for the ministry, and resigned
as Minister for Employment and Education Services on 4.4.1990 when the new ministry
was sworn in.
|
1990
|
Jones, The Hon.
Barry Owen, MP
Member for Lalor, Vic., 10.12.1977 – 31.8.1998 (retired)
ALP
Having lost the factional backing of the
Centre-Left, Mr Jones did not recontest the ballot for the ministry, and
resigned as Minister for Science, Customs and Small Business and Minister
assisting the Prime Minister for Science and Technology on 4.4.1990, when the
new ministry was sworn in.
|
1990
|
Morris, The Hon.
Peter Frederick, MP
Member for Shortland, NSW,
2.12.1972 – 31.8.1998 (retired)
ALP
Mr Morris, who was non-aligned, lost
factional backing and did not recontest the ballot for the ministry. He
resigned as Minister for Industrial Relations, and Minister assisting the
Prime Minister for Public Service Matters on 4.4.1990, when the new ministry
was sworn in.
|
1990
|
West, The Hon.
Stewart John, MP
Member for Cunningham, NSW,
15.10.1977 – 8.2.1993 (retired)
ALP
Having lost the factional backing of the
Left, Mr West did not recontest the ballot for the ministry, and resigned as
Minister for Administrative Services on 4.4.1990, when the new Ministry was
sworn in.
|
1991
|
Keating, The Hon.
Paul John, MP
Member for Blaxland, NSW,
25.10.1969 – 23.4.1996 (resigned)
ALP
Mr Keating—who as Minister for Northern Australia from
21.10.1975 to 11.11.1975 had been the last appointed and the shortest serving
minister of the Whitlam Government—was Treasurer from 11.3.1983 until his
resignation on 4.6.1991. Mr Keating candidly acknowledged his leadership
ambitions, and was widely regarded as the obvious contender and natural
successor to the leadership of the ALP on Prime Minister Hawke’s retirement.
By the end of May 1991, Mr Keating decided to challenge Prime
Minister Hawke for the leadership, to whom he conveyed his intention. At the
same time, it was revealed by journalist Mr Laurie Oakes that the Prime
Minister and Mr Keating had made an agreement (at Kirribilli) on 25.11.1988 for
Prime Minister Hawke to retire halfway through the next term, so as to allow
Mr Keating a chance to become leader. But Prime Minister Hawke had
decided in December 1990 not to adhere to this agreement. After Mr Keating’s
challenge was announced, the Prime Minister called a caucus meeting for
31.5.1991, at which no moves to resolve the leadership matter were made. A second meeting was then held on 3.6.1991, at which Mr Keating
made his challenge. Mr Keating was defeated 66:44 and immediately resigned as
Treasurer and Deputy Prime Minister. He made an undertaking not to make
another challenge to Mr Hawke’s leadership, and reiterated this commitment on
8.11.1991.
The replacement of Mr John Kerin as Treasurer by Mr Willis on
6.12.1991 further destabilised Prime Minister Hawke’s position as Leader,
with an increasing number of the ALP Caucus preparing to shift support from the
Prime Minister to Mr Keating. The ALP’s Left faction voted to allow a free
vote in a leadership ballot. On 19.12.1991, the Prime Minister announced that
he was convening a caucus meeting at 6.30 pm that evening, at which he would
resign as Leader to allow a vote to be taken on the leadership, which he
would recontest. Mr Keating won the ballot 56:51 and was sworn in as
Australia’s twenty-fourth Prime Minister on 20.12.1991.
|
1991
|
Hawke, The Hon. Robert James Lee, AC, MP
Member for Wills, Vic.,
18.10.1980 – 20.2.1992 (resigned)
ALP
Australia’s twenty-third Prime Minister—and longest serving
Labor Prime Minister—submitted his resignation on 19.12.1991 after losing the
ALP caucus ballot for party leadership. The result of the ballot was 56:51 in
favour of Mr Keating. The resignation took effect on 20.12.1991, when
Mr Keating was sworn in as Prime Minister—the same date Mr Hawke
resigned from Parliament.[16]
Mr Hawke served a total of 3,206 days as Prime Minister; and 3,242
days as Leader of the Australian Labor Party. Having replaced Mr Hayden as
Leader on 3.2.1983, the day on which Prime Minister Fraser announced the 1983
double dissolution, Mr Hawke led the ALP to victory in the elections of
5.3.1983, 1.12.1984, 11.7.1987 and 24.3.1990—a record four terms for the ALP.
|
1st
Keating Ministry (ALP) 20.12.1991 – 24.3.1993
|
1992
|
Richardson, Senator
The Hon. Graham Frederick
Senator for NSW, 5.3.1983[17] – 25.3.1994 (resigned)
ALP
Senator Richardson announced his resignation
as Minister for Transport and Communications on 18.5.1992. The resignation
took effect on 19.5.1992. Journalists labelled the circumstances leading to
Senator Richardson’s resignation as the ‘Marshall Islands affair’. At issue
was Senator Richardson’s involvement with the affairs of Mr Gregory
Symons, a friend of long standing and a relative by marriage. Mr Symons had
been arrested in the Marshall Islands and charged with 11 counts of
forgery relating to a business migration scheme he had been trying to set up
there. The Opposition avidly pursued the extent of Senator Richardson’s
knowledge of Mr Symons’s business affairs, the question of whether the
Senator had misled the Senate about his knowledge and his failure to declare
his directorship of a radio station. On 7.5.1992, the Senate passed a censure
motion of Senator Richardson for misleading the Senate. Following the
publication of further information about Mr Symons’s business history, on
13.5.1992 the Prime Minister required Senator Richardson to provide him with
a comprehensive report on the matter by 18.5.1992. Senator Richardson
presented his report to Prime Minister Keating that day, but announced his
resignation before submitting the report. Senator Richardson said he had
never seen an incriminating document made public on 16.5.1992 but, because it
was impossible to prove lack of knowledge, he decided to resign. He returned
to the ministry on 24.3.1993 as Minister for Health. (See also his departure
from that portfolio in 1994.)
|
2nd Keating
Ministry (ALP) 24.3.1993 – 11.3.1996
|
1993
|
Button, Senator The Hon. John Norman
Senator for Victoria, 18.5.1974 – 31.3.1993 (resigned)
ALP
Senator Button—who had served in industry-related
portfolios for the entire period of the ALP Government—planned to retire when
his Senate term expired on 30.6.1993, but resigned from the Senate on
31.3.1993. He resigned as Minister for Industry on 24.3.1993 when the new ministry
was appointed following the general election on 13.3.1993.
|
1993
|
Duffy, The Hon.
Michael John, MP
Member for Holt, Vic.,
18.10.1980 – 29.1.1996 (retired)
ALP
Mr Duffy announced before the election
that he would retire from the ministry. Mr Duffy resigned as
Attorney-General on 24.3.1993 when the new ministry was appointed.
|
1993
|
Kerin, The Hon. John Charles, MP
Member for Macarthur, NSW,
2.12.1972 – 13.12.1975 (defeated)
Member for Werriwa, NSW, 23.9.1978 – 22.12.1993 (resigned)
ALP
Mr Kerin did not stand for the ministry
but said that this decision was not voluntary. Mr Kerin—along with Mr
Humphreys and Mr Simmons—had lost the support of the Right faction. He
resigned as Minister for Trade and Overseas Development on 24.3.1993 when the
new ministry was appointed.
|
1993
|
Blewett, The Hon.
Dr Neal, MP
Member for Bonython, SA,
10.12.1977 – 11.2.1994 (resigned)
ALP
Dr Blewett announced on 18.3.1993 that
he would not stand for the ministry, although he had been offered a choice of
portfolios. He resigned as Minister for Social Security when the new ministry
was appointed on 24.3.1993 and resigned from the House of Representatives on
11.2.1994. The by-election for the seat of Bonython was held on 19.3.1994 and
the seat was retained by the ALP candidate Martyn Evans. The appointment of Dr Blewett as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom was announced on 13.3.1994.
|
1993
|
Hand, The Hon. Gerard Leslie, MP
Member for Melbourne, Vic.,
5.3.1983 – 8.2.1993 (retired)
ALP
Mr Hand resigned as Minister for
Immigration, Local Government and Ethnic Affairs on 24.3.1993, having retired
from Parliament when the House was dissolved for the 1993 election.
|
1993
|
Staples, The Hon. Peter Richard, MP
Member for Diamond Valley,
Vic., 5.3.1983 – 1.12.1984
Member for Jagajaga, Vic., 1.12.1984 – 29.1.1996 (retired)
ALP
Mr Staples—who retained the backing of
the Left faction—contested the caucus ballot in protest against the Prime
Minister’s selection of Mr Walker from that faction. Mr Staples lost to Mr
Walker 61:56 and resigned as Minister for Aged, Family and Health Services on
24.3.1993 when the new ministry was sworn in. (Mr Walker was suspended from
the Left faction as a disciplinary measure.)
|
1993
|
Humphreys, The Hon. Benjamin Charles, MP
Member for Griffith, Qld,
10.12.1977 – 29.1.1996 (retired)
ALP
Mr Humphreys did not stand for the ministry,
having lost the support of the Right faction. He resigned as Minister for
Veterans’ Affairs on 24.3.1993 when the new ministry was appointed.
|
1993
|
Tate, Senator The Hon. Michael Carter
Senator for Tasmania, 1.7.1978
– 5.7.1993 (resigned)
ALP
Senator Tate announced on 18.3.1993 that he would not stand for the ministry and, in a
press conference the following day, said that he was reluctant to stand down
but accepted the need to make way for younger talent. Senator Tate resigned
as Minister for Justice on 24.3.1993. He resigned from the Senate on
5.7.1993, and was appointed Ambassador to the Netherlands and the Holy See on
6.8.1993.
|
1993
|
Brown, The Hon. Robert James, MP
Member for Hunter, NSW,
18.10.1980 – 1.12.1984
Member for Charlton, NSW, 1.12.1984 – 31.8.1998 (retired)
ALP
Mr Brown announced that he would not
contest the ministry and would serve on the backbench until his retirement.
It appeared that he would not have retained factional support. Mr Brown
resigned as Minister for Land Transport on 24.3.1993 when the new ministry
was appointed.
|
1993
|
Simmons, The Hon. David William, MP
Member for Calare, NSW,
5.3.1983 – 29.1.1996 (retired)
ALP
Mr Simmons did not contest the ministry,
having lost the support of the Right faction. He resigned as Minister for
Local Government and Minister for Family Support on 24.3.1993 when the new ministry
was appointed.
|
1993
|
Fatin, The Hon. Wendy Frances, MP
Member for Canning, WA,
5.3.1983 – 1.12.1984
Member for Brand, WA, 1.12.1984 – 29.1.1996 (retired)
ALP
Ms Fatin had decided prior to the
election to retire from the ministry, saying she wanted to spend more time in
Perth. She resigned as Minister for Arts and Territories on 24.3.1993 when
the new ministry was appointed.
|
1993
|
Kerr, The Hon. Duncan James Colquhoun, MP
Member for Denison, Tas.,
11.7.1987 – 19.7.2010 (retired)
ALP
The position of Attorney-General in the
new ministry was unusual in that it was filled temporarily by the Minister of
Justice, Mr Kerr. A supplementary poll had to be held for the electorate of
Dickson, due to the death of a candidate after the close of nominations. Mr
Lavarch—the ALP candidate for Dickson—was elected by Caucus to the new ministry
and allocated the portfolio of Attorney-General, but he was not appointed
until after his election on 17.4.1993. Mr Kerr resigned as Attorney-General
on 27.4.1993 when Mr Lavarch was appointed.
|
1993
|
Price, The Hon. Leo Roger Spurway, MP
Member for Chifley, NSW,
1.12.1984 – 19.7.2010 (retired)
ALP
Mr Price resigned as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence on 24.3.1993,
having not been selected as a Parliamentary Secretary by the Prime Minister.
Unlike the ministerial positions at that time, parliamentary secretaries were
not elected by the Caucus.
|
1993
|
Dawkins, The Hon.
John Sydney, MP
Member for Tangney, WA,
18.5.1974 – 13.12.1975 (defeated)
Member for Fremantle, WA, 10.12.1977 – 4.2.1994 (resigned)
ALP
On 17.12.1993, the Treasurer, Mr Dawkins, announced his resignation from the ministry in order to devote more time to
his family. Mr Dawkins’s resignation took effect from 23.12.1993. He resigned
from the Parliament on 4.2.1994.
|
1994
|
Griffiths, The Hon.
Alan Gordon, MP
Member for Maribyrnong, Vic.,
5.3.1983 – 29.1.1996 (retired)
ALP
On 22.1.1994 the Prime Minister announced the resignation of Mr Griffiths as Minister for Industry, Technology and Regional Development. The resignation took effect on 23.1.1994. Mr
Griffiths resigned because of possible misuse of funds he had received for
party-political purposes, possible misuse of electorate office facilities and
irregularities in documentation relating to electoral fund raising. Funds had
been transferred to his business (a sandwich shop) and payments made to his
business partner had been paid to her as electorate office assistant when she
had not in fact been employed in the electorate office. An Australian Federal
Police inquiry was conducted that cleared Mr Griffiths of any criminal
involvement.
|
1994
|
Kelly, The Hon.
Roslyn Joan, MP, Canberra
Member for Canberra, ACT,
18.10.1980 – 30.1.1995 (resigned)
ALP
Mrs Kelly came under fire over grants
made to sporting bodies during the election campaign, and allegations that
grants were made primarily to marginal ALP electorates. The Auditor-General’s
Audit Report No. 9 Efficiency Audit—Community Cultural,
Recreational and Sporting Facilities Program was tabled in Parliament on
16 November 1993. The report was critical of the administration of the
program and said that the granting of funds appeared to favour marginal ALP
electorates, and that the procedures (the use of whiteboards to summarise and
assess applications) left the program open to fraud. The Prime Minister was
strong in his defence of Mrs Kelly on the basis that there was no ministerial
wrongdoing. However, as there appeared to be no easing up of Opposition or
media focus on the matter, Mrs Kelly resigned as Minister for Environment, Sport and Territories on 28.2.1994 with
effect from 1.3.1994.
|
1994
|
Richardson, Senator
The Hon. Graham Frederick
Senator for NSW, 5.3.1983 – 25.3.1994
(resigned)
ALP
Senator Richardson announced his
resignation as Minister for Health on 24.3.1994. He had said a number of
times that he did not intend to remain in political life after the age of 44.
He resigned from the Senate on 25.3.1994.
|
1st
Howard Ministry (Lib-NP Coalition) 11.3.1996 – 21.10.1998
|
1996
|
Short, Senator The Hon. James Robert
Senator for Victoria 1.12.1984 – 12.5.1997 (resigned)
Liberal
Senator Short resigned on 14.10.1996 as Assistant Treasurer over his shareholdings in the ANZ Bank. The Senator had approved a
banking licence for an ANZ subsidiary while still an ANZ shareholder. This contravened
the Prime Minister’s Guide to key elements of ministerial responsibility.
He resigned from the Senate on 12.3.1997
and was appointed Alternative Executive Director of the European Bank for
Reconstruction and Development. The appointment was announced by the
Treasurer, Mr Costello, on 18.3.1997.
|
1996
|
Gibson, Senator The Hon. Brian Francis
Senator for Tasmania, 1.7.1993 – 22.2.2002 (resigned)
Liberal
Prime Minister Howard announced to the House of Representatives that Senator Gibson had resigned as
Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer on 15.10.1996 over a conflict of interest due to his shareholdings in
Boral Ltd.
|
1997
|
Woods, Senator The Hon. Robert Leslie
Member for Lowe, NSW, 11.7.1987
– 13.3.1993 (defeated)
Senator for NSW, 8.3.1994 – 7.3.1997 (resigned)
Liberal
Senator Woods resigned as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Family Services on
3.2.1997, and resigned from the
Senate on 7.3.1997. The Senator cited
family reasons, but other reasons quickly became apparent. He was under
police investigation for fraud relating to travel claims, including having
claimed his lover was his wife for official travel purposes. In 1999, Mr
Woods pleaded guilty to charges of fraud and imposing on the Commonwealth. He
was given a suspended sentence of 18 months, a two-year good behaviour
bond, a fine of $5,000 and was ordered to repay $10,708.
|
1997
|
Prosser, The Hon. Geoffrey Daniel, MP
Member for Forrest, WA, 11.7.1987 – 17.10.2007 (retired)
Liberal
Mr Prosser resigned as Minister for Small Business and Consumer Affairs on 11.8.1997, to take
effect on 18.7.1997, over a conflict
of interest between the role and duties of a minister and holdings in a small
business. Mr Prosser was a major retail landlord and had kept an active role
in the management of his company. This was in contravention with the
provisions of the Guide to key elements of ministerial responsibility
issued by Prime Minister Howard in 1996. His portfolio responsibilities
included retail tenancies and retail franchising laws. He came under attack
for perceived conflict of interest following a report by the House of
Representatives Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology
entitled Finding a balance—towards
fair trading in Australia in May 1997. Although responsibility for retail
tenancies was transferred to the Minister for Industry, Mr Moore, Mr Prosser
retained responsibility for retail franchising. The issue was resolved by his
resignation as Minister.
|
1997
|
Jull, The Hon. David Francis, MP
Member for Bowman, Qld, 13.12.1975 – 5.3.1983 (defeated)
Member for Fadden, Qld, 1.12.1984 –
17.10.2007 (retired)
Liberal
The Prime Minister announced on 25.9.1997 the resignation of Mr Jull as Minister for Administrative
Services over administration of MPs’ travel claims and repayments of false or
inaccurate claims. John Sharp (see below) had made erroneous claims and Mr
Jull had allowed secret repayments to be made. Mr Jull had tabled a
report on MPs’ travel allowance claims which was not accurate or internally
consistent. His office was found by the audit report requested by the Prime
Minister (see below) not to have exercised due care in the preparation of the
report.
|
1997
|
Sharp, The Hon. John Randall, MP
Member for Gilmore, NSW, 1.12.1984 – 13.3.1993
Member for Hume, NSW, 13.3.1993 – 31.8.1998 (retired)
NP
Mr
Sharp’s resignation as Minister for Transport over false or inaccurate travel
claims, and repayment procedures was announced by the Prime Minister on 25.9.1997.
Mr Sharp repaid $8,740. The Prime Minister requested the Auditor-General to
investigate Mr Sharp’s travel claims, the procedures for processing claims
and whether the Minister for Administrative Services and Mr Sharp and their
offices had acted to ensure due process was followed in processing the travel
claims. The audit was extended to cover consideration of a statement by Mr
Jull’s senior adviser. The report, Ministerial travel claims,
Performance Audit Report No. 23 1997–1998,
December 1997, PP3/1998, found serious deficiencies inconsistent with sound
management in making and processing the claims, and a significant error rate
in the claims made by Mr Sharp.
|
1997
|
McGauran, The Hon. Peter John, MP
Member for Gippsland, Vic., 5.3.1983
– 9.4.2008 (resigned)
NP
The
Prime Minister announced that Mr McGauran had resigned as Minister for Science and Technology on
26.09.1997 over false or
inaccurate travel claims and repayment. The resignation took effect on
9.10.1997. He was reappointed to the ministry and served as Minister for the
Arts and the Centenary of Federation from 21.10.1998 in the second Howard
Ministry.
|
2nd
Howard Ministry (Lib–NP Coalition) 21.10.1998 – 26.11.2001
|
1998
|
Smith, The Hon.
Warwick Leslie, MP
Member for Bass, Tas.,
1.12.1984 – 13.3.1993 (defeated); 2.3.1996 – 3.10.1998 (defeated)
Liberal
Mr Smith resigned as Minister for Family
Services on 21.10.1998, having been defeated at the 1998 election.
|
1998
|
McLachlan, The Hon.
Ian Murray, MP
Member for Barker, SA,
24.3.1990 – 31.8.1998 (retired)
Liberal
Mr McLachlan resigned as Minister for
Defence on 21.10.1998, having retired from Parliament at the 1998 election.
|
1998
|
Parer, Senator The
Hon. Warwick Raymond
Senator for Queensland, 22.11.1984 – 11.2.2000
(resigned)
Liberal
After
weathering controversy over share portfolio holdings and alleged conflict of
interest, Senator Parer decided not to stand for the ministry after the
election.
|
1998
|
Thomson, The Hon.
Andrew Peter, MP
Wentworth, NSW, 8.4.1995 –
8.10.2001 (retired)
Liberal
Mr Thomson resigned as Minister for
Sport and Tourism and as Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Sydney
2000 Games, having been dropped from the ministry.
|
1998
|
Somlyay, The Hon.
Alexander Michael, MP
Member for Fairfax, Qld,
24.3.1990 – 5.8.2013 (retired)
Liberal
Mr Somlyay resigned as Minister for
Regional Development, Territories and Local Development on 21.10.1998, having
been dropped from the ministry.
|
1998
|
Moylan, The Hon.
Judith Eleanor, MP
Member for Pearce, WA,
13.3.1993 – 5.8.2013 (retired)
Liberal
Mrs Moylan resigned as Minister for the
Status of Women on 21.10.1998, having been dropped from the ministry. The
Opposition had mounted a sustained campaign of criticism of the Government’s
1997 user-pays reforms to nursing home arrangements.
|
1998
|
Cadman,
The Hon. Alan Glyndwr, MP
Member for Mitchell, NSW,
18.5.1974 – 17.10.2007 (retired)
Liberal
Mr
Cadman resigned as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Workplace
Relations and Small Business on 21.10.1998, having been dropped from the ministry.
|
1998
|
Miles, The Hon. Christopher Gordon, MP
Member for Braddon, Tas.,
18.10.1984 – 3.10.1998 (defeated)
Liberal
Mr
Miles resigned as Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet) to the Prime Minister on
21.10.98, having been defeated at the 1998 election.
|
1998
|
Ronaldson, The Hon. Michael John Clyde, MP
Member for Ballarat, Vic., 24.3.1990 – 8.10.2001 (retired)
Senator for Victoria, 1.7.2005 – 28.2.2016
(resigned)
Liberal
Mr
Ronaldson resigned as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Transport
and Regional Development on 21.10.1998, having been dropped from the ministry.
|
1998
|
Brownhill, Senator the Hon. David Gordon Cadell
Senator for NSW, 1.12.1984 – 14.4.2000 (resigned)
NP
Senator
Brownhill resigned as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Trade on
21.10.1998, having announced on 8.10.1998 that he did not want to be considered for the ministry.
|
1999
|
Fischer, The Hon. Timothy Andrew, MP
Member for Farrer, NSW, 1.12.1984
– 8.10.2001 (retired)
NP
Mr
Fischer resigned as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade on 20.7.1999
for family reasons. He also resigned as Leader of the National Party on 1.7.1999.
He announced his decision in the House of Representatives on 30.6.1999.
Mr
Fischer was succeeded as National Party Leader on 1.7.1999 by Mr Anderson,
who became Deputy Prime Minister on 20.7.1999.
|
2000
|
Sullivan, The Hon. Kathryn Jean Martin, MP
Senator for Queensland, Vic., 18.5.1974 – 5.11.1984 (resigned)
Member for Moncrieff, Qld, 1.12.1984 – 8.10.2001 (retired)
Liberal
Mrs
Sullivan resigned as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Foreign
Affairs on 16.2.2000, having announced on 23.5.1999 her intention to retire from Parliament at the next election.
|
2001
|
Moore, The Hon. John Colinton, MP
Member for Ryan, Qld, 13.12.1975 – 5.2.2001 (resigned)
Liberal
Mr
Moore resigned as Minister for Defence on 30.1.2001, having announced on 19.12.2000 his intention to retire from Parliament in the New Year. Press
comment at the time suggested he was troubled by the East Timor crisis and
reflected on the acrimonious dismissal of the Secretary of the Department of
Defence, Mr Paul Barratt, at Mr Moore’s instigation in August 1999. Mr Moore resigned
from the House of Representatives on 5.2.2001.
|
2001
|
Newman, The Hon. Jocelyn Margaret
Senator for Tasmania, 13.3.1986 – 1.2.2002 (resigned)
Liberal
Senator
Newman resigned as Minister for Family and Community Services on 30.1.2001,
having announced on 19.12.2000 her intention to retire from Parliament. She remained in the
Senate for another year before resigning on 1.2.2002. Senator Newman was
said to be unhappy at the Prime Minister’s handling of an important discussion
paper on welfare reform, which led to her being censured in the Senate on 13 October 1999.
|
2001
|
Herron, Senator The Hon. John Joseph
Senator for Queensland 1.7.1990 – 5.9.2002 (resigned)
Liberal
Senator
Herron resigned as Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs
on 30.1.2001, having not been reappointed to the ministry in the reshuffle
announced by the Prime Minister on 19.12.2000. The Senator had been widely
criticised for his response to the stolen generations inquiry and there had
been speculation since mid-2000 that he would leave the ministry. Senator
Herron remained in the Senate until resigning from Parliament on 5.9.2002 to
take up the appointment as Ambassador to Ireland with concurrent
accreditation to the Holy See.
|
2001
|
Brough, The Hon. Malcolm Thomas, MP
Member for Longman, Qld, 2.3.1996 – 24.11.2007 (defeated)
Member for Fisher, Qld, 7.9.2013 – 9.5.2016 (retired)
Liberal
Mr
Brough resigned as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Employment,
Workplace Relations and Small Business on 30.1.2001. The Prime Minister had
announced on 19.12.2000 that in a new ministry, to be sworn in on 30.1.2001,
Mr Brough would be promoted to Minister for Employment Services. However, on
the morning of the swearing in ceremony, the Sydney Morning Herald
reported that federal police were investigating admissions of false electoral
enrolment by former members of Mr Brough’s staff. On 11.2.2001 the Prime Minister said ‘that the [federal] police have given him a clean bill of health’ and Mr
Brough was sworn in on 14.2.2001.
|
3rd
Howard Ministry (Lib–NP Coalition) 26.11.1998 – 26.10.2004
|
2001
|
Reith, The Hon. Peter Keaston, MP
Member for Flinders, Vic.,
14.12.1982* – 5.3.1983 (defeated)
Member for Flinders, Vic.,
1.12.1984 – 8.10.2001 (retired)
Liberal
Mr
Reith resigned as Minister for Defence on 26.11.2001, having announced on 29.6.2001 that he would not contest the next general election for
lifestyle and family reasons. He had gained national prominence in the
Patricks Stevedoring affair late in 1997; and in October of the same year when
he repaid $50,000 owing on his government-issued Telecard. A
Solicitor-General’s inquiry found that he had passed the card’s ID to his son
and that his son, in turn, had passed those details on to others who misused
the card.
|
2001
|
Wooldridge, The Hon. Michael Richard Lewis, MP
Member for Chisholm, Vic.,11.7.1987 – 3.10.1998
Member for Casey, Vic., 3.10.1998 – 8.10.2001 (retired)
Liberal
Mr Wooldridge resigned as
Minister for Health on 26.11.2001, having announced on 7.9.2001 that he would not contest the general election. He was a
controversial figure in 2001 when a budget measure to provide Medicare
rebates for new MRI machines was allegedly leaked, leading to an
unprecedented rush of orders for the scanners.
|
2001
|
Fahey, The Hon. John Joseph, MP
Member for Macarthur, NSW, 2.3.1996 – 8.10.2001 (retired)
Liberal
Mr Fahey resigned as Minister
for Finance and Administration 26.11.2001, having announced on 15.5.2001 that he would not contest the next general election (due to be
held later in the year), having had surgery for lung cancer in February 2001.
|
2001
|
Scott, The Hon. Bruce Craig, MP
Member for Maranoa, Qld, 24.3.1990 – 9.5.2016 (retired)
NP
Mr
Scott resigned as Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister Assisting the
Minister for Defence on 26.11.2001. He was not reappointed to the ministry
following the 2001 election, despite strong support from the veterans’
community. At the 2001 election, the National Party of Australia lost three
seats thus changing the ratio of MPs to ministers amongst the Coalition
partners.
On
2.8.2015 Mr Scott announced that he would not contest the next election,
having served as Deputy Speaker since 2013 and for four years during the Rudd
and Gillard governments.
|
2001
|
Bishop, The Hon. Bronwyn Kathleen, MP
Senator for NSW, 11.7.1987 – 24.2.1994 (resigned)
Member for Mackellar, NSW, 26.3.1994* – 9.5.2016 (retired)
Liberal
Mrs
Bishop resigned as Minister for Aged Care for on 26.11.2001. She was not
reappointed to the ministry following the 2001 election. The Aged Care
portfolio was a difficult one, with funding having been cut in the 1996
Budget, and two previous ministers (Moylan and Smith) having resigned or lost
their seats. The problems for Mrs Bishop culminated with the closure of a
nursing home in Melbourne after it was revealed that residents were bathed in
a kerosene solution.
On
16.4.2016 Mrs Bishop lost the preselection ballot for Mackellar, and retired
at the 2016 election.
|
2001
|
Kelly, The Hon. Jacqueline Marie, MP
Member for Lindsay, NSW, 2.3.1996 – 11.9.1996; 19.10.1996* – 17.10.2007
(retired)
Liberal
Ms
Kelly resigned as Minister for Sport and Tourism on 26.11.2001. Ms Kelly was
expecting her second child in March 2002 and had indicated to the Prime
Minister her desire to leave the ministry for that reason. She did, however,
accept the position of Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister.
|
2001
|
Tambling, Senator The Hon. Grant Ernest John
Senator for the Northern Territory, 11.7.1987 – 9.11.2001 (retired)
Country Liberal Party
Senator
Tambling resigned as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and
Aged Care on 26.11.2001. He did not contest the 2001 election, having been
disendorsed by the CLP as its candidate at the CLP annual conference on
14.9.2001 following his support for the
Government’s legislation to ban internet gambling, despite the CLP having
instructed him to cross the floor to oppose it. He took up the appointment of
Administrator of Norfolk Island on 1.11.2003.
|
2002
|
Heffernan, Senator The Hon. William Daniel, MP
Senator for NSW, 18.9.1996* – 9.5.2016 (retired)
Liberal
Senator Heffernan resigned,
at the Prime Minister’s request, as Parliamentary Secretary to Cabinet on
18.3.2002. On 12.3.2002 in the Senate, under privilege, Senator Heffernan accused High Court Judge, Justice Michael Kirby, of sexual impropriety based on
Comcar records which were later found to be false. The Senator stood aside from his Parliamentary Secretary position on 13.3.2002 pending a
police investigation into his alleged evidence.[18]
He apologised to Justice Kirby in a speech to the Senate on 19.3.2002.
Senator
Heffernan remained on the backbench after his resignation and, on 20.2.2016,
announced his intention to retire from the Senate at the next election.
|
2003
|
Alston, The Hon. Richard Kenneth Robert
Senator for Victoria, 7.5.1986* – 10.2.2004 (resigned)
Liberal
Mr
Alston resigned as the Minister for Communications, Information Technology
and the Arts on 7.10.2003, having earlier indicated to the Prime Minister that he was aware the Prime Minister was considering a reshuffle and that he would be happy to stand down. Strong
rumours of a diplomatic posting had been circulating since January 2000. Mr
Alston was appointed as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom on
17.12.2004.
|
2003
|
Tuckey, The Hon. Charles William, MP
Member for O’Connor, WA, 18.10.1980 – 21.8.2010 (defeated)
Liberal
Mr
Tuckey resigned as Minister for Regional Services, Territories and Local
Government on 7.10.2003, having not been reappointed to the ministry at the
reshuffle announced on 29.9.2003. On 19.8.2003 during Question Time, the
Opposition asked Mr Tuckey about letters he had written on his ministerial
letterhead asking that the South Australian Minister for Police intervene to
have a traffic charge against a constituent (later revealed to be his son)
dropped. The Prime Minister described these actions as ‘foolish’,
but also said it had been Mr Tuckey who had decided that he should not be ‘re-included in the
ministry’.
|
2003
|
Boswell, The Hon. Ronald Leslie Doyle
Senator for Queensland, 5.3.1983 – 30.6.2014 (retired)
NP
Senator
Boswell resigned as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Transport and
Regional Services on 7.10.2003 having not been reappointed to the ministry at
the reshuffle on that day. The Senator said his departure from the frontbench
was a reluctant one, but that he understood the need for a female NP colleague
from Queensland to replace him.
|
2004
|
Kemp, The Hon. David Alistair, MP
Member for Goldstein, Vic., 24.3.1990 – 31.8.2004 (retired)
Liberal
Mr
Kemp resigned as Minister for the Environment and Heritage on 18.7.2004
having informed the Prime Minister on 12.7.2004 of his intention to retire at
the next general election for family reasons. As Minister for Education,
Training and Youth Affairs he had a difficult time in 1999 when Cabinet
rejected his proposal over fees for tertiary students. Closer to the time of
his resignation, Mr Kemp was under pressure to defend the Government’s
continued refusal to sign the Kyoto Protocol.
|
2004
|
Williams, The Hon. Daryl Robert, MP
Member for Tangney, WA, 13.3.1993 – 31.8.2004 (retired)
Liberal
Mr
Williams resigned as Minister for Communications, Information Technology and
the Arts on 18.7.2004 having announced on 5.4.2004 his intention to retire at the next general election for family
reasons, citing the regular Perth to Canberra airline commute and his limited
time with his family as an important factor.
|
2004
|
Gallus, The Hon. Christine Ann, MP
Member for Hawker, SA, 24.3.1990 – 13.3.1993
Member for Hindmarsh, 13.3.1993 – 31.8.2004 (retired)
Liberal
Mrs
Gallus resigned as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Foreign
Affairs on 18.7.2004, having informed the Prime Minister of her intention to
not to stand at the next general election.
|
4th
Howard Ministry (Lib–NP Coalition) 26.10.2004 – 3.12.2007
|
2004
|
Vale, The Hon. Danna Sue, MP
Member for Hughes, NSW, 2.3.1996 – 19.7.2010 (resigned)
Liberal
Mrs
Vale resigned as Minister for Veterans’ Affairs on 26.10.2004 having not been
reappointed following the election on 9.10.2004. She attracted criticism in
April 2004 for supporting talkback radio host Alan Jones during the ‘cash for
comment’ affair. Early in 2005 it was revealed that roadworks at Anzac Cove which
had damaged some significant sites had been authorised by Mrs Vale in her
time as Minister.
|
2004
|
Anthony, The Hon. Lawrence James, MP
Member for Richmond, NSW, 2.3.1996 – 9.10.2004 (defeated)
NP
Mr
Anthony resigned as Minister for Children and Youth Affairs on 26.10.2004,
having been defeated at the election on 9.10.2004.
|
2004
|
Kelly, The Hon. Jacqueline Marie, MP
Member for Lindsay, NSW, 2.3.1996 – 11.9.1996; 19.10.1996* – 17.10.2007
(retired)
Liberal
Ms
Kelly resigned as Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister on
26.10.2004, having indicated to the Prime Minister that she did not wish to
be considered for appointment to the ministry at this time.
|
2004
|
Cameron, The Hon. Ross Alexander, MP
Member for Parramatta, NSW, 2.3.1996 – 9.10.2004 (defeated)
Liberal
Mr
Cameron resigned as Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer on 26.10.2004
having been defeated at the election on 9.10.2004.
|
2004
|
Slipper, The Hon. Peter Neil, MP
Member for Fisher, Qld, 1.12,1984 – 11.7.1987 (NP; defeated)
Member for Fisher, Qld, 13.3.1993 – 7.9.2013 (defeated)
NP, Liberal, Independent
Mr
Slipper resigned as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance and
Administration on 26.10.2004, having not been reappointed following the
election on 9.10.2004.
|
2004
|
Worth, The Hon. Patricia Mary, MP
Member for Adelaide, SA, 13.3.1993 – 9.10.2004 (defeated)
Liberal
Ms
Worth resigned as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and
Ageing on 26.10.2004, having been defeated at the election on 9.10.2004.
|
2004
|
Troeth, Senator The Hon. Judith Mary
Senator for Victoria, 1.7.1993 – 30.6.2011 (retired)
Liberal
Senator
Troeth resigned as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture,
Fisheries and Forestry, having not been reappointed to the ministry following
the election on 9.10.2004.
|
2005
|
Anderson, The Hon. John Duncan, MP
Member for Gwydir, NSW, 15.4.1989* – 17.10.2007 (retired)
NP
Mr
Anderson resigned as Minister for Transport and Regional Services on 6.7.2005
for personal, health, and family reasons—and particularly to avoid as much
air travel as possible. He announced his decision to retire on 23.6.2005.
|
2006
|
Hill, Senator The Hon. Robert Murray
Senator for SA, 1.7,1981 – 15.3.2006 (resigned)
Liberal
Senator Hill announced his resignation as Minister for Defence on 20.1.2006 for personal reasons, to take effect on
27.1.2006. It was widely believed the Senator would move to a position at the
United Nations; he was, in fact, appointed Australian Ambassador to the
United Nations on 17.3.2006.
|
2006
|
Patterson, Senator The Hon. Kay Christine Lesley
Senator for Victoria, 11.7.1987 – 30.6.2008 (retired)
Liberal
Senator
Patterson resigned as Minister for Family and Community Services on
27.1.2006, having informed the Prime Minister on 21.1.2006 that she would retire from Parliament at the next election. The Senator had been demoted—though remained in Cabinet—at the
reshuffle in October 2003; it was widely reported that she was forced out in
January 2006.
|
2006
|
Macdonald, Senator The Hon. Ian Douglas
Senator for Queensland,
1.7.1990 –
Liberal
Senator Macdonald resigned as Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation on 27.1.2006, having been told by the Prime Minister that he
would not be reappointed in the reshuffle. The West Australian was
critical of his performance over illegal fishing operations.
|
2006
|
Entsch, The Hon. Warren George, MP
Member for Leichhardt, Qld, 2.3.1996 – 17.10.2007 (retired)
Member for Leichhardt, Qld, 21.8.2010 –
Liberal
Mr
Entsch resigned as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry,
Tourism and Resources on 27.1.2006 at the reshuffle that day as he intended
to retire from Parliament at the next election. He came out of retirement to
contest the following election in 2010 and was returned for the division of
Leichhardt.
|
2007
|
Vanstone, Senator The Hon. Amanda Eloise
Senator for SA, 1.12,1984 – 26.4.2007 (resigned)
Liberal
Senator
Vanstone resigned as Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs on
30.1.2007, having been told on 22.1.2007 by the Prime Minister that she would not be reappointed at the reshuffle. There were difficulties in the
Immigration portfolio and during 2006 a number of decisions were made by the
Prime Minister apparently without consulting her. She had been a prominent
moderate in the Opposition and in the early Howard Government years. At the
time of her resignation there was speculation that she would accept an
ambassadorial post and on 26.4.2007 she was appointed Australian Ambassador
to Italy.
|
2007
|
Kemp, Senator The Hon. Charles Roderick
Senator for Victoria, 1.7.1990 – 30.6.2006 (retired)
Liberal
Senator
Kemp resigned as Minister for the Arts and Sport on 30.1.2007 having announced on 12.5.2006 his intention to retire from Parliament at the next election.
|
2007
|
Cobb, The Hon. John Kenneth, MP
Member for Parkes, NSW, 11.10.2001 – 9.5.2016 (retired)
The Nationals
At
the reshuffle announced on 23.1.2007, Mr Cobb was demoted from Minister for
Community Services to a Parliamentary Secretary position as Assistant
Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, so he resigned as a
minister on 30.1.2007. His demotion was partly to redress the Liberal–National
Party numbers in the ministry, but he had attracted some unfavourable
publicity in October 2006 with some comments about disabled children.
|
2007
|
Hardgrave, The Hon. Gary Douglas, MP
Member for Moreton, Qld, 2.3.1996 – 24.11.2007 (defeated)
Liberal
Mr
Hardgrave resigned as Minister for Vocational and Technical Education on
30.1.2007, having not been reappointed at the reshuffle that day. The Government’s
plans to reform the TAFE sector and to introduce tradesmen’s training
colleges had lagged during his time as Minister.
|
2007
|
Macdonald, Senator The Hon. John Alexander Lindsay
Senator for NSW, 1.7,1993 – 30.6.1999 NPA (defeated)
Senator for NSW, 4.5.2000 – 30.6.2008 (retired)
The Nationals
Senator
Macdonald resigned as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence on
30.1.2007, having announced his intention in October 2006 to retire at the
next election. The National Party Central Council, in a ballot on 5.10.2006,
dropped Senator Macdonald to the unwinnable fourth position on the Coalition
ticket for the next election.
|
2007
|
Campbell, Senator The Hon. Ian Gordon
Senator for WA, 16.5.1990* – 31.5.2007 (resigned)
Liberal
The
Prime Minister accepted his resignation as Minister for Human Services on 3.3.2007 after Senator Campbell revealed
that he had met former (and disgraced) WA Premier Brian Burke in 2006, when
he was Minister for the Environment to discuss a planning matter involving
development of race courses on the Swan River. In the House of
Representatives in the days leading up to the Senator’s resignation, the
Government had been extremely critical of Opposition Leader Rudd’s
connections with Mr Burke—the Treasurer claiming on 1.3.2007 that ‘anyone who
deals with Mr Brian Burke is morally and politically compromised’. It was
felt that Senator Campbell’s meeting weakened the attack. He resigned from
the Senate two months later.
|
2007
|
Santoro, Senator The Hon. Santo
Senator for Queensland, 29.10.2002* – 11.4.2007 (resigned)
Liberal
Senator Santoro resigned as Minister for Ageing on 16.3.2007 after it was revealed that he had failed
to disclose shareholdings in companies, some of which touched on his
portfolio. Initially it appeared the shareholdings were in CBio only and the
Prime Minister—while acknowledging that Senator Santoro had made an error and
corrected it—said that no impropriety had occurred. However, on 18.3.2007 a
newspaper published details of at least three additional shareholdings which
could be seen as constituting a conflict of interest. Senator Santoro resigned
from the Senate three weeks later on 11.4.2007.
|
1st Rudd
Ministry[19]
(ALP) 3.12.2007 – 24.6.2010
|
2009
|
Murphy, The Hon. John Paul, MP
Member for Lowe, NSW, 3.10.1998 – 21.8.2010
Member for Reid, NSW, 21.8.2010 – 7.9.2013 (defeated)
ALP
Mr
Murphy resigned as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Trade on
25.2.2009 for family reasons, having informed the Prime Minister on 18.2.2009 that he would resign. In September the
previous year, Mr Murphy attracted criticism for raising with the Speaker in
the House of Representatives the question of portion size of meals in the
Parliament House staff cafeteria.
|
2009
|
Fitzgibbon, The Hon. Joel Andrew, MP
Member for Hunter, NSW, 2.3.1996 –
ALP
Mr Fitzgibbon resigned as Minister for Defence on 4.6.2009, to take effect on 9.6.2009. At a Foreign
Affairs, Trade and Defence Legislation Committee Estimates hearing on
3.6.2009 it was revealed that Mr Fitzgibbon’s office or his staff had been
involved in arranging top-level discussions on health insurance between his
brother, (the CEO of NiB), a US health insurance fund (Humana) and Department
of Defence officials, thereby constituting a breach of the ministerial code
of conduct. Mr Fitzgibbon had previously denied any involvement. His
resignation followed some months of errors being detected in his declarations
of pecuniary interests, including a failure to declare two trips to China
paid for by a Chinese businesswoman, Ms Helen Liu.
|
2009
|
Debus, The Hon. Robert John, MP
Member for Macquarie, NSW, 24.11.2007 – 19.7.2010 (retired)
ALP
Mr Debus resigned as Minister for Home Affairs at the reshuffle on 9.6.2009, having recently
decided to retire from Parliament at the next election. His decision was
triggered by the resignation of Mr Fitzgibbon and the consequent need to
reshape the ministry.
|
2009
|
McLucas, Senator The Hon. Jan Elizabeth
Senator for Queensland,
1.7.1999 – 9.5.2016 (retired)
ALP
Senator McLucas resigned as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Ageing at the
reshuffle on 9.6.2009, having told the Prime Minister that she wanted to
spend more time focusing on the challenges faced by regional, rural and
provincial Queensland during the global recession. In May 2009 the press had
raised questions about whether her principal place of residence was in Cairns
or in Canberra, with consequent implications for her travel allowance claims
which were investigated by the Department of Finance.
In April 2016 she lost her faction’s support for preselection and
retired from the Senate at the 2016 election.
|
2009
|
Kerr, The Hon. Duncan James Colquhoun, MP
Member for Denison, Tas., 11.7.1987 – 19.7.2010 (retired)
ALP
Mr
Kerr resigned as Parliamentary Secretary for Pacific Island Affairs on
14.12.2009, having announced on 10.9.2009 his intention to retire from Parliament at the next election.
|
2010
|
Rudd, The Hon. Kevin Michael, MP
Member for Griffith, Qld, 2.3.1996 – 22.11.2013 (resigned)
ALP
Prime
Minister Rudd resigned on 24.6.2010 following the surprise announcement on
the evening of 23.6.2010 that Ms Gillard, his Deputy Prime Minister and
Deputy Leader of the Parliamentary Labor Party, would challenge his
leadership the next morning at a caucus meeting. The challenge came following
a collapse in opinion poll figures, but the impetus was a report in the Sydney
Morning Herald on 23.6.2010 that members of the Prime Minister’s staff
were talking to caucus members to sound out support for him. In the event,
there was no ballot for the leadership and Mr Rudd resigned after the caucus
meeting.
|
1st Gillard
Ministry (ALP) 24.6.2010 – 14.9.2010
|
2010
|
Tanner, The Hon. Lindsay James, MP
Member for Melbourne, Vic., 13.3.1993 – 19.7.2010 (retired)
ALP
Mr
Tanner resigned as Minister for Finance and Deregulation on 3.9.2010, having
not contested his seat at the election on 21.8.2010. At the beginning of
Question Time on 24.6.2010, Prime Minister Gillard announced the new
ministerial arrangements (that she had replaced Mr Rudd). Immediately after
Question Time Mr Tanner announced his decision to retire at the next election for personal reasons.
|
2nd
Gillard Ministry (ALP) 14.9.2010 – 27.6.2013
|
2010
|
Faulkner, Senator The Hon. John Philip
Senator for NSW, 4.4.1989* – 6.2.2015 (resigned)
ALP
Senator
Faulkner resigned as Minister for Defence on 14.9.2010. On 7.7.2010 Senator
Faulkner told a press conference that he would move to the backbench after
the election and that he was announcing his decision during the campaign so
there could be no doubt about his future after the election.
|
2010
|
Griffin, The Hon. Alan Peter, MP
Member for Corinella, Vic., 13.3.1993 – 2.3.1996
Member for Bruce, Vic., 2.3.1996 – 9.5.2016 (retired)
ALP
Mr
Griffin resigned as Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel on
14.9.2010, having informed the Prime Minister on 7.9.2010 that he wished to
move to the backbench. Mr Griffin was described as Mr Rudd’s numbers man in
coverage of the next leadership challenge in February 2012. In February 2015,
he informed his local party organisation that he would retire from the House
of Representatives at the next election.
|
2010
|
Elliot, The Hon. Maria Justine, MP
Member for Richmond, NSW, 9.10.2004 –
ALP
Mrs
Elliot resigned on 14.9.2010 as Minister for Ageing. She was demoted to
Parliamentary Secretary for Trade. The Prime Minister said the move had been
at Mrs Elliot’s request, for family and other reasons.
|
2010
|
Ferguson, The Hon. Laurie Donald Thomas, MP
Member for Reid, NSW, 24.3.1990 – 21.8.2010
Member for Werriwa, NSW, 21.8.2010 – 9.5.2016 (retired)
ALP
Mr
Ferguson resigned as Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and
Settlement Services on 14.9.2010 having not been reappointed to the ministry
after the election on 21.8.2010. In January 2016, Mr Ferguson announced that
he would not contest the next election.
|
2010
|
Stephens, Senator The Hon. Ursula Mary
Senator for NSW, 1.7.2002 – 30.6.2014 (defeated)
ALP
Senator
Stephens resigned as Parliamentary Secretary for the Voluntary Sector and
Social Inclusion on 14.9.2010 having not been reappointed to the ministry
after the election on 21.8.2010.
|
2010
|
McMullan, The Hon. Robert Francis, MP
Senator for the ACT, 16.2.1988 – 6.2.1996
Member for Canberra, ACT, 3.10.1998 – 19.7.2010 (retired)
ALP
Mr
McMullan resigned as Parliamentary Secretary for International Development
Assistance on 14.9.2010 having not contested his seat at the election on
14.9.2010. Mr McMullan had announced his intention to resign from Parliament
on 19.1.2010, six months before the election. He became the Executive
Director to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, based in
London, having been nominated by the Treasurer on 12.5.2011.
|
2010
|
Byrne, The Hon. Anthony Michael, MP
Member for Holt, Vic., 6.11.1999* –
ALP
Mr
Byrne resigned as Parliamentary Secretary for Trade on 14.9.2010 having not
been reappointed to the ministry after the election on 21.8.2010.
|
2011
|
Sherry, Senator The Hon. Nicholas John
Senator for Tasmania, 1.7.1990 – 1.6.2012 (resigned)
ALP
Senator Sherry announced his resignation as Minister Assisting on Deregulation and Public Sector Superannuation on 12.12.2011 for family reasons, to take
effect on 14.12.2011. He resigned from the Senate six months later.
|
2012
|
Rudd, The Hon. Kevin Michael, MP
Member for Griffith, Qld, 3.10.1998 – 22.11.2013 (resigned)
ALP
Mr
Rudd resigned as Minister for Foreign Affairs on 26.2.2012, having announced on 22.2.2012, while in Washington DC, that he would challenge Prime Minister Gillard
for the leadership of the parliamentary Labor Party. The ballot was held on
27.2.2012 and was won by Prime Minister Gillard 71:31. In his statement to the Caucus after the ballot, Mr Rudd said he would under no circumstances
mount a challenge against the Prime Minister’s leadership and emphasised his
strong support for her.
|
2012
|
Arbib, Senator The Hon. Mark Victor
Senator for NSW, 1.7.2008 – 5.3.2012 (resigned)
ALP
Senator Arbib resigned as Minister for Small Business and Minister for Sports on 27.2.2012,
immediately after the caucus ballot for the leadership of the Parliamentary
Labor Party (see Rudd entry above). In his resignation statement Senator
Arbib hoped the caucus and the Party would ‘see this decision as a gesture to
help unite and heal’. He was seen as one of the key figures in the leadership
change from Rudd to Gillard in 2010. He resigned from the Senate a week
later, on 5.3.2012.
|
2012
|
McClelland, The Hon. Robert Bruce, MP
Member for Barton, NSW, 2.3.1996 – 5.8.2013 (retired)
ALP
Mr
McClelland resigned as Minister for Housing and Homelessness and Minister for
Emergency Management on 5.3.2012. He was one of the four ministers who had declared
publicly that he would support Mr Rudd in the February leadership challenge. Mr
McClelland’s position was seen as untenable, having said in an ABC TV
interview on 23.2.2012: ‘I don’t think we have a realistic prospect of being re-elected
under Julia Gillard’. The other three ministers (Mr Bowen, Senator Kim Carr
and Mr Martin Ferguson) had not gone to the extent of writing off the Prime
Minister’s electoral chances. Mr McClelland retired from Parliament before
the 2013 general election.
|
2013
|
Evans, Senator The Hon. Christopher Vaughan
Senator for WA, 1.7.1993 – 12.4.2013 (resigned)
ALP
Senator
Evans resigned as Minister for Tertiary Education, Science, Skills and
Research on 4.2.2013, having announced on 2.2.2013 his intention to do so, and to leave the Parliament within a
couple of months. The Senator’s decision was made shortly after the Prime
Minister announced in a National Press Club Address on 30.1.2013 that the
election would be held on 14.9.2013. Senator Evans resigned from the Senate
on 12.4.2013.
|
2013
|
Roxon, The Hon. Nicola Louise, MP
Member for Gellibrand, Vic., 3.10.1998 – 5.8.2013 (retired)
ALP
Ms
Roxon resigned as Attorney-General on 4.2.2013, having announced, on 2.2.2013, her intention to do so, and to leave the Parliament at the next
election. Like Senator Evans (above), Ms Roxon had flagged with the Prime
Minister a year earlier her wish to leave Parliament at the appropriate time.
|
2013
|
Elliot, The Hon. Maria Justine, MP
Member for Richmond, NSW, 9.10.2004 –
ALP
Mrs
Elliot resigned as Parliamentary Secretary for Trade on 4.2.2013, having not
been reappointed to the ministry at the reshuffle on that day. The Prime
Minister said Mrs Elliot had asked to relinquish her position and saw a
possible conflict of interest by wishing to be able to devote more time to
campaigning against coal seam gas exploration and mining in her electorate,
but an earlier press report suggested she was likely to be dropped.
|
2013
|
Crean, The Hon. Simon Findlay, MP
Member for Hotham, Vic., 24.3.1990 – 5.8.2013 (retired)
ALP
Mr
Crean’s appointment as Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development
and Local Government and Minister for the Arts was revoked on 21.3.2013. He
was the first minister in 35 years to have their appointment revoked by the
Governor-General on the instructions of the Prime Minister.
In
the evening of 20.3.2013 and in the morning of 21.3.2013, Mr Crean met the
Prime Minister to urge her to call a spill of the leadership positions of the
Federal Parliamentary Labor Party; told her that he would support Mr Rudd in
such a spill and that he would run as Deputy Leader himself. In the early
afternoon of 21.3.2013 Mr Crean publicly called for a spill. The Prime
Minister arranged for a caucus meeting for that evening but the likely
challenger, Mr Rudd, did not follow up with a challenge.
Mr
Crean was only the second person to be appointed to the ministry immediately
after being elected to Parliament. The first was Senator Spooner, who was
elected to the Senate at the 1949 election with his term commencing on
22.5.1950. (Senator Spooner was appointed Minister for Social Services in the
fourth Menzies Ministry on 19.12.1949.)[20]
|
2013
|
Marles, The Hon. Richard Donald, MP
Member for Corio, Vic., 24.11.2007 –
ALP
Mr Marles resigned as Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Parliamentary Secretary for Pacific Island Affairs on 21.3.2013, saying it was ‘the appropriate
course’ having intended to support Mr Rudd had a leadership ballot taken
place that day. His appointment was revoked on 22.3.2013.
|
2013
|
Bowen, The Hon. Christopher Eyles, MP
Member for Prospect, 9.10.2004 – 21.8.2010
Member for McMahon, NSW, 21.8.2010 –
ALP
Mr Bowen resigned as Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research and Minister for Small Business on 22.3.2013. As one of the ministers who would have voted
for Mr Rudd had there been a leadership ballot the previous day, Mr Bowen
said he felt his resignation was ‘the appropriate and honourable decision for
me’. Mr Bowen’s appointment was revoked on 25.3.2013.
|
2013
|
Ferguson, The Hon. Martin John, MP
Member for Batman, Vic., 2.3.1996 – 5.8.2013 (retired)
ALP
Mr Ferguson resigned as Minister for Resources and Energy and Minister for Tourism on 22.3.2013.
As one of the ministers who would have voted for Mr Rudd had a leadership
ballot been held the previous day, he said resigning was ‘the only honourable
thing to do’. Mr Ferguson’s appointment was revoked on 25.3.2013.
|
2013
|
Carr, Senator The Hon. Kim John
Senator for Victoria, 28.4.1993* –
ALP
Senator
Carr resigned as Minister for Human Services on 22.3.2013. Having been one of
the ministers who would have voted for Mr Rudd had a leadership ballot been
held the previous day, Senator Carr said he ‘thought the principled course of
action to take was to offer the Prime Minister my resignation and she has
accepted it’. The Senator had been demoted from Cabinet at the reshuffle of
the ministry in December 2011. Senator Carr’s appointment was revoked on
25.3.2013.
|
2013
|
Gillard, The Hon. Julia Eileen, MP
Member for Lalor, Vic., 3.10.1998 – 5.8.2013 (retired)
ALP
Ms
Gillard resigned as Prime Minister on 27.6.2013, having been defeated by Mr
Rudd in the caucus ballot for the leadership of the Federal Parliamentary Labor
Party the previous evening. Speculation about the leadership had continued from
March onwards, culminating in rumours that morning of Mr Rudd’s supporters
circulating a petition calling for a caucus meeting to decide the matter.
During the afternoon, Prime Minister Gillard announced that there would be a
meeting at 7pm that evening, saying that the matter must be settled that
night and that any challenger should put themselves forward, on condition
that the loser retire from politics. The votes were 57:45. Ms Gillard did not
contest the next election.
|
2013
|
Swan, The Hon. Wayne Maxwell, MP
Member for Lilley, Qld, 13.3.1993 – 2.3.1996 (defeated)
Member for Lilley, Qld, 3.10.1998 –
ALP
Mr
Swan resigned as Treasurer on 27.6.2013, following the caucus ballot for the
leadership of the Federal Parliamentary Labor Party in which Mr Rudd defeated
Ms Gillard.
|
2nd Rudd
Ministry (ALP) 27.6.2013 – 18.9.2013
|
2013
|
Conroy, Senator The Hon. Stephen Michael
Senator for Victoria, 30.4.1996* – 30.9.2016 (resigned)
ALP
Senator
Conroy resigned as Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital
Economy on 1.7.2013. The Senator was a supporter of the former Prime Minister,
Ms Gillard, and said that he would remain in
the interim ministry following the changeover to Mr Rudd, but that he would
not serve in the new ministry.
|
2013
|
Emerson, The Hon. Craig Anthony, MP
Member for Rankin, Qld, 3.10.1998 – 5.8.2013 (retired)
ALP
Mr
Emerson resigned as Minister for Trade and Competitiveness on 1.7.2013. Mr Emerson
was a supporter of the former Prime Minister, Ms Gillard, and announced on 26.6.2013 that he would resign and would not contest the next election.
|
2013
|
Garrett, The Hon. Peter Robert, MP
Member for Kingsford Smith, NSW, 9.10.2004 – 5.8.2013 (retired)
ALP
Mr
Garrett resigned as Minister for School Education, Early Childhood and Youth
on 1.7.2013. Mr Garrett was a supporter of the former Prime Minister, Ms
Gillard, and said that he would remain in the interim ministry following the
changeover to Mr Rudd, but that he would not serve in the new ministry.
|
2013
|
Ludwig, Senator The Hon. Joseph William
Senator for Queensland,
1.7.1999 – 9.5.2016 (retired)
ALP
Senator
Ludwig resigned as Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry on
1.7.2013. The Senator was a supporter of the former Prime Minister, Ms
Gillard, and announced on 26.6.2013 that he had ‘decided not to serve as a Minister under Mr Rudd’s leadership’. On 9.3.2015, Senator Ludwig informed the Leader of the
Opposition that he had decided not to contest the next election.
|
2013
|
Combet, The Hon. Gregory Ivan, MP
Member for Charlton, NSW, 24.11.2007 – 5.8.2013 (retired)
ALP
Mr
Combet resigned as Minister for Climate Change, Industry and Innovation on
1.7.2013. Mr Combet was a supporter of the former Prime Minister, Ms Gillard,
and announced on 26.6.2013, as a supporter of Ms Gillard, ‘I believe it is appropriate that I resign from my position’.
|
2013
|
Leigh, The Hon. Dr Andrew Keith, MP
Member for Fraser, ACT, 21.8.2010 –
ALP
Dr
Leigh resigned as Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister on 1.7.2013
having not been reappointed to the second Rudd Ministry.
|
Abbott
Ministry (Lib–The Nationals Coalition) 18.9.2013 – 15.9.2013
|
2014
|
Sinodinos, Senator The Hon. Arthur, AO
Senator for NSW, 13.10.1998 –
Liberal
On
19.12.2014 the Prime Minister announced that Senator Sinodinos had resigned as
Assistant Treasurer. He had previously stood aside from his ministerial
position on 19.3.2014—at that stage until a NSW Independent Commission
Against Corruption (ICAC) investigation into Australian Water Holdings (AWH)
was concluded.[21]
On 19.12.2014 Senator Sinodinos issued a statement saying that the ICAC
reports into the Credo and Spicer affairs—involving AWH and Liberal Party
donations and where he had been called as a witness only—would be delayed,
but he was confident he would not be subject to any finding of corrupt
conduct or illegality when the reports were released. The Senator expressed
disappointment that the news of his resignation had been released earlier
than planned. He was reappointed to the ministry as Cabinet Secretary (with
Cabinet rank) when Mr Turnbull became Prime Minister on 15.9.2015.
|
2014
|
Johnston, Senator The Hon. David Albert Lloyd
Senator for WA, 1.7.2002 – 2.7.2016 (defeated)
Liberal
Senator
Johnston resigned as Minister for Defence on 23.12.2014 having not been
reappointed to the ministry at the reshuffle on that day. In the Senate on
25.11.2014, when the Government was considering its options for the contract
for the construction of new submarines, Senator Johnston was critical of the
Australian Submarine Corporation’s shipbuilding performance.
|
2014
|
Mason, Senator The Hon. Brett John
Senator for Queensland,
1.7.1999 – 15.4.2015 (resigned)
Liberal
Senator
Mason resigned as Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs on 23.12.2014,
having not been reappointed to the ministry at the reshuffle on that day. He
resigned from the Senate on 15.4.2015 and was appointed Ambassador to the
Netherlands on 21.4.2015.
|
2015
|
Turnbull, The Hon. Malcolm Bligh, MP
Member for Wentworth, NSW, 9.10.2004 –
Liberal
Mr
Turnbull resigned as Minister for Communications on 14.9.2015, when he announced during the afternoon that he would challenge the Prime Minister for the leadership at a meeting of the Liberal Party that evening. Prime Minister
Abbott agreed to hold a meeting and said he would be a candidate, but it was
not until after 8.30pm that the time of the meeting (for 9.15pm) was
announced. Mr Turnbull was successful in that challenge, becoming Prime
Minister, but there is no evidence of his resignation as Minister taking
effect until the swearing in of the new ministry on 21.9.2015.
|
2015
|
Abbott, The Hon. Anthony John, MP
Member for Warringah, NSW, 26.3.1994* –
Liberal
Mr
Abbott resigned as Prime Minister on 15.9.2015, having been defeated in a
ballot for the leadership of the Liberal Party by Malcolm Turnbull on the
evening of 14.9.2015. The votes were 54:44.
|
1st
Turnbull Ministry (Lib–The Nationals Coalition) 15.9.2015 – 19.7.2016
|
2015
|
Abetz, Senator The Hon. Eric
Senator for Tasmania, 22.2.1994* –
Liberal
Senator
Abetz resigned as Minister for Employment on 21.9.2015 having not been
reappointed to the ministry when Mr Turnbull became Prime Minister on
15.9.2015. The question of whether his resignation was actually received was
discussed in Senate Estimates in February 2016.[22]
|
2015
|
Hockey, The Hon. Joseph Benedict, MP
Member for North Sydney, NSW, 2.3.1996 – 23.10.2015 (resigned)
Liberal
Mr
Hockey resigned as Treasurer on 21.9.2015 having not been reappointed to the
ministry when Mr Turnbull became Prime Minister on 15.9.2015. He resigned
from Parliament on 23.10.2015 and was appointed Australian Ambassador to the United
States of America on 8.12.2015.
|
2015
|
Billson, the Hon. Bruce Fredrick, MP
Member for Dunkley, Vic., 2.3.1996 – 9.5.2016 (retired)
Liberal
Mr
Billson resigned as Minister for Small Business on 21.9.2015 having not been
reappointed to the ministry when Mr Turnbull became Prime Minister on
15.9.2015. In his press statement Mr Turnbull said Mr Billson had chosen not
to take up an offer to serve outside Cabinet. On 24.11.2015 Mr Billson announced
that he would not contest the next election.
|
2015
|
Macfarlane, The Hon. Ian Elgin, MP
Member for Groom, Qld, 3.10.1998 – 9.5.2016 (retired)
Liberal
Mr
Macfarlane resigned as Minister for Industry on 21.9.2015, having not been
reappointed to the ministry when Mr Turnbull became Prime Minister on
15.9.2015. Mr Macfarlane subsequently tried to move from the Liberal Party to
The Nationals, but the Liberal–National Party Executive in Brisbane, at a
meeting on 14.12.2015, did not endorse the move. On 15.2.2016 Mr Macfarlane announced
that he would not contest the next election.
|
2015
|
Andrews, The Hon. Kevin James, MP
Member for Menzies, Vic., 11.5.1991* –
Liberal
Mr
Andrews resigned as Minister for Defence on 21.9.2015, having not been
reappointed to the ministry when Mr Turnbull became Prime Minister on
15.9.2015. The question of whether his resignation was actually received was
discussed in Senate Estimates in February 2016.[23]
|
2015
|
Ronaldson, Senator The Hon. Michael John Clyde
Member for Ballarat, Vic., 24.3.1990 – 8.10.2001 (retired)
Senator for Victoria, 1.7.2005 – 28.2.2016 (resigned)
Liberal
Senator
Ronaldson resigned as Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Special Minister of
State, and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Centenary of Anzac
on 21.9.2015, having not been reappointed to the ministry when Mr Turnbull
became Prime Minister on 15.9.2015. The Senator announced, on 18.12.2015, his
intention to leave the Senate before the next election; and resigned on
28.2.2016.
|
2015
|
Baldwin, The Hon. Robert Charles, MP
Member for Paterson, 2.3.1996 – 3.10.1998 (defeated)
Member for Paterson, NSW, 10.11.2001 – 9.5.2016 (retired)
Liberal
Mr
Baldwin resigned as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry on 21.9.2015,
having not been reappointed to the ministry when Mr Turnbull became Prime
Minister on 15.9.2015. Mr Baldwin announced on 16.4.2016 that he would not
contest the next election.
|
2015
|
Brough, The Hon. Malcolm Thomas, MP
Member for Longman, Qld, 2.3.1996 – 23.11.2007 (defeated)
Member for Fisher, Qld, 7.9.2013 – 9.5.2016 (retired)
Liberal
The
Prime Minister announced on 29.12.2015 that he and Mr Brough ‘have agreed
that he will stand aside as Special Minister of State and Minister for
Defence Materiel and Science, pending the completion of enquiries by the
police’.[24]
Mr Brough was involved in a case in which James Ashby, a former political
aide to the former Speaker, Mr Peter Slipper, brought a sexual harassment
case against Mr Slipper. In a 60 Minutes interview on 7.9.2014, Mr
Brough said he had asked Mr Ashby to obtain copies of Mr Slipper’s
private diaries, but contradicted that statement in the House of
Representatives on 1, 2 and 3 December 2015. Mr Brough’s house was raided by
the Australian Federal Police in November 2015 in connection with the
investigation into the question of obtaining copies of the diaries. (See also
the entry below concerning Mr Brough’s resignation in February 2016.)
|
2015
|
Briggs, The Hon. Jamie Edward, MP
Member for Mayo, SA, 6.9.2008* – 2.7.2016 (defeated)
Liberal
Mr
Briggs announced his resignation as Minister for Cities and the Built
Environment on 29.12.2015, saying it was to take effect immediately. During
an Estimates hearing on 8.2.2016 it transpired that the Governor-General
revoked his commission on 30.12.2015[25]—although
it was not gazetted until 22.3.2016. A Cabinet sub-committee considered a
report from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) concerning Mr
Briggs’s behaviour towards a female DFAT staffer during a November 2015
official visit to Hong Kong. In his statement, Prime Minister Turnbull said ‘Ministers are expected to uphold high standards
of behaviour as set out in the Ministerial Standards.[26]
On this occasion [Mr Briggs’s] conduct fell short of that standard. After
being invited to reflect on his position, he offered his resignation which I
have accepted’.
|
2016
|
Truss, The Hon. Warren Errol, MP
Member for Wide Bay, Qld, 24.3.1990 – 9.5.2016 (retired)
The Nationals
Mr
Truss resigned as Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development on
18.2.2016, having announced on 11.2.2016 his intention to retire from Parliament at the next election.
His successor as Leader of The Nationals, Mr Joyce, was chosen at a party
meeting on 11.2.2016 and took over as Leader the following day. Although his
portfolio did not change, Mr Joyce was sworn in as ‘Deputy Prime Minister and
Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources’ on 18.2.2016, an unprecedented
event in that this was the first time the position of Deputy Prime Minister
had been coupled with a portfolio name at a swearing in.
|
2016
|
Robb, The Hon. Andrew John, AO, MP
Member for Goldstein, Vic., 9.10.2004 – 9.5.2016 (retired)
Liberal
Mr
Robb resigned as Minister for Trade and Investment on 18.2.2016, having
confirmed in a statement on 10.2.2016 his intention to retire from Parliament at the next election.
While a shadow minister, Mr Robb stood aside from his responsibilities for
three months from September 2009 when diagnosed with a depressive disorder.
The Prime Minister announced on 13.2.2016 that he was appointing Mr Robb as
Special Envoy for Trade until the next election.
|
2016
|
Brough, The Hon. Malcolm Thomas, MP
Member for Longman, Qld, 2.3.1996 – 23.11.2007 (defeated)
Member for Fisher, Qld, 7.9.2013 – 9.5.2016 (retired)
Liberal
Mr
Brough resigned as Special Minister of State and Minister for Defence
Materiel and Science on 18.2.2016 . The Prime Minister said on 13.2.2016 that Mr Brough ‘did not wish to be considered for a position ...
given the fact that the police investigations are continuing and will
continue at least for some months’. On 26.2.2016 Mr Brough announced that he would not contest the next election. (See also previous entry
concerning Mr Brough standing aside in December 2015.)
|
2016
|
Robert, The Hon. Stuart Rowland, MP
Member for Fadden, Qld, 24.11.2007 –
Liberal
Mr
Robert resigned as Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Special Minister of
State on 18.2.2016 following an investigation conducted by the Secretary of
the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) into Mr Robert’s
visit to China in 2014 with a friend whose company, Nimrod Resources, was engaged
in a joint project with the Chinese Government. Mr Robert said it was a
private visit, undertaken while on leave. The PM&C inquiry found that Mr
Robert held shares in a company associated with Nimrod Resources and
concluded that he had acted inconsistently with the Statement of Ministerial
Standards. The Prime Minister said on 12.2.2016 that Mr Robert had ‘asked me not to consider him in the
pending reshuffle of the ministry’.
|
2016
|
Hartsuyker, The Hon. Luke, MP
Member for Cowper, NSW, 10.11.2001 –
The Nationals
Mr
Hartsuyker resigned as Minister for Vocational Education and Skills on
18.2.2016, having not been reappointed to the ministry at the reshuffle that
day. Although the Nationals increased their representation in Cabinet by one
position at the reshuffle, their total representation in the ministry did not
increase and Mr Hartsuyker was replaced in the Outer Ministry by Senator
Matthew Canavan, a Queensland Liberal–National Party member who attends
Nationals party meetings. Mr Hartsuyker returned to the ministry on
19.7.2016 in a parliamentary secretary position as Assistant Minister to the
Deputy Prime Minister.
|
2016
|
Colbeck, Senator The Hon. Richard Mansell
Senator for Tasmania, 1.7.200 2 – 2.7.2016
Liberal
Senator
Colbeck resigned as Minister for Tourism and International Education on 19.7.2016
having been defeated in the double dissolution election on 2.7.2016.
|
2016
|
Hendy, The Hon. Dr Peter William, MP
Member for Eden-Monaro, NSW, 7.9.2013 – 2.7.2016
Liberal
Dr
Hendy resigned as Assistant Minister for Finance and Assistant Cabinet
Secretary (Parliamentary Secretary positions) on 19.7.2016 having been
defeated in the double dissolution election on 2.7.2016.
|
2nd
Turnbull Ministry (Lib–The Nationals Coalition) 19.7.2016 –
|
2017
|
Ley, The Hon. Sussan Penelope, MP
Farrer, NSW, 10.11.2001 –
Liberal
Ms
Ley resigned as Minister for Health, Aged Care and Minister for Sport on
24.1.2017. From early January the press had been raising concerns about Ms
Ley’s travel claims, particularly about visits to the Gold Coast. On 9.1.2017 Prime Minister Turnbull announced
that the Secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet would
investigate Ms Ley’s travel claims, and that Ms Ley had agreed to stand aside
without ministerial pay until the investigation was completed. On 13.1.2017,
after submitting the final part of her report to the inquiry, Ms Ley announced her resignation.
|