The Martin ministry (1866–1868) or Second Martin ministry was the tenth ministry of the Colony of New South Wales, and second of three occasions of being led by the Premier, the Honourable James Martin, QC.
Martin was elected in the first free elections for the New South Wales Legislative Assembly held in 1856. He came to power as Premier on the first occasion after he successfully defeated Charles Cowper at the 1863 general election.[1] Martin was asked to form government on the second occasion, this time in coalition with his former rival, Henry Parkes, after Cowper again lost the conifidence of the Assembly in December 1865.[1]
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 22 January 1866 until 26 October 1868, when Martin resigned.[2]
| Portfolio | Minister | Term commence | Term end | Term of office |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier Attorney-General |
Hon. James Martin MLA | 22 January 1866 | 26 October 1868 | 2 years, 278 days |
| Colonial Secretary | Hon. Henry Parkes MLA | 17 September 1868 | 2 years, 239 days | |
| Hon. Joseph Docker MLC | 28 September 1868 | 26 October 1868 | 28 days | |
| Representative of the Government in Legislative Council | 22 January 1866 | 2 years, 278 days | ||
| Postmaster-General | 27 September 1868 | 2 years, 249 days | ||
| Colonial Treasurer | Hon. Geoffrey Eagar MLA | 26 October 1868 | 2 years, 278 days | |
| Secretary for Lands | Hon. John Wilson MLA | |||
| Secretary for Public Works | Hon. James Byrnes MLA | |||
| Solicitor-General | Hon. Robert Isaacs MLA | |||
| Postmaster-General | Hon. Atkinson Tighe MLA | 29 September 1868 | 27 days |
| Preceded by Cowper ministry (1865–1866) |
Martin ministry (1866–1868) 1866–1868 |
Succeeded by Robertson ministry (1868–1870) |
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