Holman ministry (1916–20)


The Holman ministry or Second Holman ministry or Holman Nationalist ministry was the 36th ministry of the New South Wales Government, and was led by the 19th Premier, the Honourable William Holman, MLA.
Holman was elected to the New South Wales Legislative Assembly in 1898, serving until 1920, before being elected to the Australian House of Representatives. Holman had earlier served as Deputy Leader in the ministry of James McGowen, before replacing McGowen as leader of the parliamentary Labor Party and serving as Labor Premier between 1913 and 1916.
Crossing the floor to vote against a Labor Government motion that opposed conscription for World War I, Holman formed an alliance with the leader of the conservative opposition, Charles Wade. This was part of a larger split in the Labor Party between pro- and anti-conscription views. Shortly afterward, this alliance became the New South Wales chapter of the Nationalist Party of Australia, with Holman as leader.
In an unusual measure, Holman, as a Labor Premier and Leader, was suspended as a member of the Labor Party for supporting conscription. At the 1917 state election, Holman stood as a candidate for the Nationalist Party, and successfully retained his seat of Cootamundra.
The ministry covers the period from 15 November 1916 until 12 April 1920 when Holman lost his seat as serving Premier and his government was defeated at the 1920 state election by Labor's John Storey.

Composition of ministry

First arrangement

The composition of the ministry was announced by Premier Holman on 15 November 1916 and covers the period up to 30 October 1918, unless the Minister retains the portfolio for the full term. Ministers are listed in order of seniority.

Second arrangement

This arrangement covers the period from 30 October 1918 until 23 July 1919, unless the Minister retains the portfolio for the full term. Ministers are listed in order of seniority. Only changes in portfolios are shown below.

Third arrangement

This arrangement covers the period from 23 July 1919 until 12 April 1920, when Holman's Nationalist government was defeated at the 1920 election. Only changes in portfolios are shown below.