# Askin–Cutler ministry (1973–1975)

The Askin–Cutler ministry (1973–1975) or Sixth Askin ministry was the 67th ministry of the government of New South Wales, and was led by the 32nd Premier, Sir Robert Askin, of the Liberal Party in coalition with the Country Party, led by Sir Charles Cutler. It was the sixth and final occasion when Askin was Premier; and when Cutler served as Deputy Premier to Askin.

## Background

Askin was elected to the New South Wales Legislative Assembly in 1950 and served continuously until 1975, representing variously the seats of Collaroy and Pittwater. Rising through the Liberal Party ranks, Askin served as Deputy Leader from 1954 until he was elected Leader of the NSW Liberal Party and Leader of the NSW Opposition, following the defeat of the Morton/Hughes–led coalition by Cahill's Labor at the 1959 election. Cutler was elected to the NSW Legislative Assembly in 1947 and served continuously until 1975, representing the seat of Orange. Elected Deputy Leader of the Country Party in 1958 and, like Askin, Cutler was elected as leader of his party following the 1959 state election, replacing Davis Hughes. The Askin–Cutler led Liberal/Country coalition was defeated at the 1962 election by Labor's Bob Heffron. In April 1964 Jack Renshaw replaced Heffron as Leader of the Labor Party and became Premier. Twelve months later, Renshaw called an election held on 13 May 1965; however after 24 years of consecutive Labor governments, Askin and Cutler led the coalition to government at the 1965 state election.
The first Askin–Cutler ministry was commissioned from 1965 until the 1968 state election; when the coalition again won office. The second Askin–Cutler ministry was commissioned from the 1968 election until 11 February 1969, when the ministry was reconfigured. The third Askin–Cutler ministry was commissioned from the 1969 reconfiguration until the 1971 state election. The fourth Askin–Cutler ministry was commissioned from the 1971 election until 17 January 1973, when the ministry was reconfigured. The fifth Askin–Cutler ministry was commissioned from the 1973 reconfiguration until the 1973 state election. There were two vacancies in the ministry as a result of the resignation of Jack Beale, and the failure of Harry Jago to nominate for his seat before the closure of nominations.
The composition of the ministry was announced by Premier Askin on 3 December 1973, and covers the period until 3 January 1975, when Askin resigned as Premier and as Member for Pittwater. Tom Lewis succeeded Askin as Leader of the Liberal Party and Premier.
| Portfolio | Minister | Party | Term commence | Term end | Term of office |
| Premier Treasurer | Sir Robert Askin | Liberal | 3 December 1973 | 3 January 1975 | 1 year, 31 days |
| Deputy Premier Minister for Local Government Minister for Highways | Sir Charles Cutler | Country | 3 December 1973 | 3 January 1975 | 1 year, 31 days |
| Minister for Education | Eric Willis | Liberal | 3 December 1973 | 3 January 1975 | 1 year, 31 days |
| Minister for Planning and Environment Vice-president of the Executive Council Leader of the Government in Legislative Council | John Fuller, MLC | Country | 3 December 1973 | 3 January 1975 | 1 year, 31 days |
| Minister for Public Works | Leon Punch | Country | 3 December 1973 | 3 January 1975 | 1 year, 31 days |
| Attorney General | Ken McCaw QC | Liberal | 3 December 1973 | 3 January 1975 | 1 year, 31 days |
| Minister for Transport | Milton Morris | Liberal | 3 December 1973 | 3 January 1975 | 1 year, 31 days |
| Minister for Lands Minister for Tourism | Tom Lewis | Liberal | 3 December 1973 | 3 January 1975 | 1 year, 31 days |
| Minister of Justice | John Maddison | Liberal | 3 December 1973 | 3 January 1975 | 1 year, 31 days |
| Minister for Agriculture | Geoff Crawford | Country | 3 December 1973 | 3 January 1975 | 1 year, 31 days |
| Minister for Mines Minister for Power Assistant Treasurer | Wal Fife | Liberal | 3 December 1973 | 3 January 1975 | 1 year, 31 days |
| Minister for Labour and Industry Minister for Consumer Affairs | Frederick Hewitt, MLC | Liberal | 3 December 1973 | 3 January 1975 | 1 year, 31 days |
| Minister for Health | John Waddy | Liberal | 3 December 1973 | 3 January 1975 | 1 year, 31 days |
| Minister for Conservation Minister for Cultural Activities | George Freudenstein | Country | 3 December 1973 | 3 January 1975 | 1 year, 31 days |
| Minister for Decentralisation and Development | Tim Bruxner | Country | 3 December 1973 | 3 January 1975 | 1 year, 31 days |
| Chief Secretary Minister for Sport | Ian Griffith | Liberal | 3 December 1973 | 3 January 1975 | 1 year, 31 days |
| Minister for Housing Minister for Co-operative Societies | Laurence McGinty | Liberal | 3 December 1973 | 3 January 1975 | 1 year, 31 days |
| Minister for Youth and Community Services | Dick Healey | Liberal | 3 December 1973 | 3 January 1975 | 1 year, 31 days |
Ministers are members of the Legislative Assembly unless otherwise noted.