The Robertson ministry (1885–1886) of Fifth Robertson ministry was the 22nd ministry of the Colony of New South Wales, and was led by the Premier, the Honourable Sir John Robertson KCMG. It was the fifth and final occasion that Robertson was Premier. Robertson was elected in the first free elections for the New South Wales Legislative Assembly held in March 1856.
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 December 1885 until 25 February 1886, when Robertson's government faultered due to the destablishing influence of his old foe, Sir Henry Parkes.[1] Robertson was succeeded as Premier by Sir Patrick Jennings, and retired from parliament in June 1886.[2][3]
| Portfolio | Minister | Term commence | Term end | Term of office |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier Colonial Secretary |
Hon. Sir John Robertson MLA | 22 December 1885 | 25 February 1886 | 65 days |
| Colonial Treasurer | Hon. John Burns MLA | |||
| Minister of Public Instruction | Hon. James Young MLA | |||
| Minister of Justice | Hon. Louis Heydon MLA | 4 February 1886 | 44 days | |
| Attorney-General Representative of the Government in Legislative Council |
Hon. George Simpson MLC | 25 February 1886 | 65 days | |
| Secretary for Lands | Hon. Gerald Spring MLA | |||
| Secretary for Public Works | Hon. Jacob Garrard MLA | |||
| Postmaster-General | Hon. Daniel O'Connor MLA | |||
| Secretary for Mines | Hon. Robert Vaughn MLA |
| Preceded by Dibbs ministry (1885) |
Robertson ministry (1885-1886) 1885-1886 |
Succeeded by Jennings ministry |
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