Dibbs ministry (1891–94)


The third Dibbs ministry, the 27th ministry of the Colony of New South Wales, was led by George Dibbs, leader of the Protectionist Party, following the 1891 New South Wales election, which saw the Labour Party win seats in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly and the balance of power. The ministry was formed on 23 October 1891, with Labour support, and comprised 10 ministers.
In December 1893, Dibs suffered a vote of censure in the Legislative Assembly, and persuaded Governor Robert Duff on 8 December 1893 to prorogue parliament. The Legislative Assembly was dissolved on 25 June 1894, and a general election was held on 27 July 1894, at which Dibb failed to carry the vote. Although he had lost control of the Assembly, Dibbs said he would not resign until after parliament had reconvened, but the Governor forced his hand. Dibbs sought the appointment of several persons by the Governor to the then fully appointed Legislative Council, which Duff refused to do, on the ground that the ministry had been condemned by the colony. In consequence, Dibbs and the ministers resigned on 2 August 1894.
Dibbs was elected to the New South Wales Legislative Assembly in 1874 and served as Premier on three occasions. This was the third and final occasion that Dibbs led a ministry. Dibbs took over as premier on the first occasion in October 1885 following the resignation of Alexander Stuart due to ill-health, with his ministry lasting for 75 days. This was a period of great financial stress for the colony. Dibbs served as colonial secretary in the Jennings ministry, before it too suffered budgetary pressures. It was during this time that the party system was formed in New South Wales with Dibbs aligning himself with the Protectionist Party. His second term as premier lasted for just 49 days.
The third Dibbs ministry was followed by the Reid ministry, led by George Reid, leader of the Free Trade Party. The new parliament opened on 7 August.

Composition of ministry