Heffron ministry (1959–62)


The Heffron ministry or First Heffron ministry was the 59th ministry of the New South Wales Government, and was led by the 30th Premier, the Honourable Bob Heffron, MLA, of the Labor Party. The ministry was the first of two consecutive occasions when the Government was led by Heffron, as Premier.
Heffron was first elected to the New South Wales Legislative Assembly in 1930 and served continuously until 1968, representing the seats of Botany and Maroubra. Having served continuously as Minister for Emergency Services in the first McKell ministry, and Minister for Education in the second McKell ministry, and in the first, second, and third ministries of Jim McGirr, and then the first, second, third and fourth ministries of Joseph Cahill. Heffron served as Deputy Premier to Cahill between 1953 and 1959 until Cahill died in office on 22 October 1959. The following day, Heffron was elected as Labor Leader and became Premier; retaining Cahill's ministry intact.
This ministry covers the period from 28 October 1959 until 14 March 1962, when Heffron led Labor to victory at the 1962 state election.

Composition of ministry

First arrangement

The composition of the ministry was announced by Premier Heffron following his appointment as Premier on 23 October 1959, and covers the period until 31 May 1960, when the ministry was reconfigured. Ministers are listed in order of seniority and in most cases, serve the full term of this ministry.

Second arrangement

A minor rearrangement of the ministry took effect on 31 May 1960 and covers the period until 3 March 1961, when a further minor was effected.

Third arrangement

A minor rearrangement of the ministry took effect on 3 March 1961 as a result of the appointment of the Hon. Roger Nott as the Administrator of the Northern Territory, and covers the period until 14 March 1962, when the 1962 state election was held.