Stevens–Bruxner ministry (1932–35)


The Stevens–Bruxner ministry or First Stevens–Bruxner ministry or First Stevens ministry was the 46th ministry of the New South Wales Government, and was led by the 25th Premier, the Honourable Bertram Stevens, MLA, in a United Australia Party coalition with the Country Party, that was led by the Honourable Lieutenant-Colonel Michael Bruxner, DSO, MLA. The ministry was one of three occasions when the Government was led by Stevens, as Premier; and one of four occasions where Bruxner served as Deputy Premier.
Stevens was first elected to the New South Wales Legislative Assembly in 1927 and served continuously until 1940. Having served as a senior minister in the Bavin ministry, following the defeat of the Nationalist coalition led by Bavin, who was in poor health, at the 1932 state election, Stevens was elected leader of the newly formed United Australia Party in New South Wales and became Opposition Leader. Bruxner was first elected to the Assembly in 1920 and served continuously until 1962. Initially a member of the Progressive Party, he served as party leader in opposition between 1922 and 1925; and resumed leadership in 1932, following the resignation of his successor, Ernest Buttenshaw. By this stage, the party was renamed as the Country Party.
This ministry covers the period from 13 May 1932 when, as a result of the Lang Dismissal Crisis, the Governor of New South Wales, Philip Game used the reserve power of The Crown to remove Jack Lang as Premier. The ministry served until 10 February 1935 when the 1935 state election saw the Stevens–Bruxner coalition re-elected for a subsequent term.

Composition of ministry

First arrangement

In the first arrangement, lasting just two days, Stevens was the only Member of Government pending formation of the full ministry as a result of the turmoil following the dismissal of Lang and his third ministry.

Second arrangement

The composition of the ministry was announced by Premier Stevens on 16 May 1932 and covers a period of a little over one month as an "emergency ministry" up until 17 June 1932 when the outcome of the 1932 state election was determined. At that point, a minor reshuffle of the ministry was effected. A number of ministers appointed in February retained their portfolio for the full term, until the 1935 state election. Ministers are listed in order of seniority.

Third arrangement

The composition of the ministry was announced by Premier Stevens on 18 June 1932 and covers the period up to 10 February 1935. Ministers are listed in order of seniority. Only changes in portfolios are shown.