The Donaldson ministry was the first ministry of the Colony of New South Wales, and was led by the Premier, the Honourable Stuart Donaldson. Despite the first free elections for the New South Wales Legislative Assembly being held in March 1856, it took over two months for Donaldson to form Government. It was sworn in on 6 June 1856, after the 1856 election and lasted just eighty days. There was no party system in New South Wales politics until 1887. Under the constitution, ministers were required to resign to recontest their seats in a by-election when appointed. These by-elections are only noted when the minister was defeated; in general, he was elected unopposed.
This ministry covers the period from 6 June 1856 until on 25 August 1856, when Donaldson resigned his commission, having lost the confidence of the Assembly.[1]
| Portfolio | Minister | Term commence | Term end | Term of office |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier Colonial Secretary |
Hon. Stuart Donaldson MLA | 6 June 1856 | 25 August 1856 | 80 days |
| Colonial Treasurer | Hon. Thomas Holt MLA | |||
| Attorney-General | Hon. William Manning MLA | |||
| Solicitor-General | Hon. John Darvall MLA | |||
| Auditor-General Secretary for Lands and Works |
Hon. George Nichols MLA | |||
| Representative of the Government in Legislative Council | Hon. William C. Mayne MLC |
| Preceded by First responsible government |
Donaldson ministry 1856 |
Succeeded by Cowper ministry (1856) |
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