# Askin–Cutler ministry (1969–1971)

The Askin–Cutler ministry (1969–1971) or Third Askin ministry was the 64th ministry of the Government of New South Wales, and was led by the 32nd Premier, Bob Askin, of the Liberal Party in coalition with the Country Party, led by Charles Cutler. It was the third of six occasions when Askin was Premier; and when Cutler was Deputy Premier.

## 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.

## Composition of ministry

This ministry covers the period from 11 February 1969 until 11 March 1971, when Askin and Cutler led the Liberal/Country coalition to a fourth term following victory at the 1971 state election, defeating Labor led by Pat Hills.
| Portfolio | Minister | Party | Term commence | Term end | Term of office |
| Premier Treasurer | Bob Askin | Liberal | 11 February 1969 | 11 March 1971 | 2 years, 28 days |
| Deputy Premier Minister for Education Minister for Science | Charles Cutler | Country | 11 February 1969 | 11 March 1971 | 2 years, 28 days |
| Minister for Labour and Industry Chief Secretary Minister for Tourism | Eric Willis | Liberal | 11 February 1969 | 11 March 1971 | 2 years, 28 days |
| Minister for Decentralisation and Development Vice-president of the Executive Council Representative of the Government in Legislative Council | John Fuller, MLC | Country | 11 February 1969 | 11 March 1971 | 2 years, 28 days |
| Minister for Public Works | Davis Hughes | Country | 11 February 1969 | 11 March 1971 | 2 years, 28 days |
| Attorney General | Ken McCaw | Liberal | 11 February 1969 | 11 March 1971 | 2 years, 28 days |
| Minister for Local Government Minister for Highways | Pat Morton | Liberal | 11 February 1969 | 11 March 1971 | 2 years, 28 days |
| Minister for Transport | Milton Morris | Liberal | 11 February 1969 | 11 March 1971 | 2 years, 28 days |
| Minister for Lands | Tom Lewis | Liberal | 11 February 1969 | 11 March 1971 | 2 years, 28 days |
| Minister for Conservation | Jack Beale | Liberal | 11 February 1969 | 11 March 1971 | 2 years, 28 days |
| Minister for Agriculture | Geoff Crawford | Country | 11 February 1969 | 11 March 1971 | 2 years, 28 days |
| Minister for Housing Minister for Co-operative Societies | Stanley Stephens | Country | 11 February 1969 | 11 March 1971 | 2 years, 28 days |
| Minister of Justice | John Maddison | Liberal | 11 February 1969 | 11 March 1971 | 2 years, 28 days |
| Minister for Health | Harry Jago | Liberal | 11 February 1969 | 11 March 1971 | 2 years, 28 days |
| Minister for Mines | Wal Fife | Liberal | 11 February 1969 | 11 March 1971 | 2 years, 28 days |
| Minister for Child Welfare Minister for Social Welfare | Frederick Hewitt, MLC | Liberal | 11 February 1969 | 11 March 1971 | 2 years, 28 days |
| Assistant Minister | John Waddy | Liberal | 11 February 1969 | 11 March 1971 | 2 years, 28 days |
| Assistant Minister | George Freudenstein | Country | 11 February 1969 | 11 March 1971 | 2 years, 28 days |
Ministers are members of the Legislative Assembly unless otherwise noted.