Barton ministry facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Barton ministry
1st Ministry of Australia
Governor-General Lord Hopetoun with first arrangement of newly appointed ministers to the Barton ministry on 1 January 1901. Sir James Dickson (fifth standing to the left) would be dead nine days later.
Date formed	1 January 1901
Date dissolved	24 September 1903
People and organisations
Monarch	Victoria Edward VII
Governor-General	Lord Hopetoun Lord Tennyson
Prime Minister	Sir Edmund Barton
No. of ministers	11
Member party	Protectionist
Status in legislature	Minority government (Labour support)
Opposition party	Free Trade
Opposition leader	George Reid
History
Election(s)	29–30 March 1901
Legislature term(s)	1st
Successor	First Deakin ministry

The Barton ministry was the very first government of Australia. It was led by Sir Edmund Barton, who became Australia's first Prime Minister. This important group of leaders started their work on 1 January 1901. This was the day Federation happened, when Australia's separate colonies joined together to form one nation.

The Barton ministry was part of the Protectionist Party. They were in power until 24 September 1903. At that time, Sir Edmund Barton left politics to join the new High Court. The government was then taken over by the First Deakin ministry.

James Drake was the last person from the Barton ministry to pass away, in 1941. He was also the last surviving minister from two later governments. Elliot Lewis was the last surviving member of the original group of ministers chosen by Barton.

The Barton ministry in 1902 with Australia's second Governor-General Lord Tennyson.

Australia's First Government

This section explains how Australia's first national government was formed. It also covers the main jobs and people in charge.

Forming the Government

When Australia became a nation in 1901, it needed a government. Sir Edmund Barton was chosen to lead this first team of ministers. These ministers were like a team of leaders who helped the Prime Minister run the country. They were responsible for different areas, like money, defence, and foreign affairs.

Key Roles in the Ministry

The Barton ministry had several important roles. Each minister was in charge of a specific area. Here are some of the main jobs:

Prime Minister and External Affairs

• Sir Edmund Barton was the Prime Minister. He was the overall leader of the country. He was also the Minister for External Affairs, meaning he handled Australia's relationships with other countries.

Attorney-General

• Alfred Deakin was the Attorney-General. This role is like the chief lawyer for the government. They give legal advice and help make sure laws are fair.

Treasurer

• Sir George Turner was the Treasurer. This minister is in charge of the country's money, including taxes and spending.

Defence and Postmaster-General

• Sir John Forrest held several important roles. He was the Postmaster-General, looking after mail and communications. He also became the Minister for Defence, responsible for Australia's military.

Trade and Customs

• Charles Kingston was the Minister for Trade and Customs. This job involved managing trade rules and collecting taxes on goods coming into the country.

Other Important Ministers

• Sir William Lyne was the Minister for Home Affairs. This role dealt with things like elections and public works within Australia.
• Richard O'Connor was the Vice-President of the Executive Council. He also led the government's work in the Senate.
• James Drake and Sir Philip Fysh also held important positions, helping with various government tasks.

The Barton ministry laid the groundwork for how Australia would be governed. They made many important decisions that shaped the new nation.

Images for kids

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  Sir Edmund Barton, Australia's first Prime Minister.

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  Alfred Deakin, the first Attorney-General.

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  Sir William Lyne, Minister for Home Affairs.

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  Charles Kingston, Minister for Trade and Customs.

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  Sir George Turner, the first Treasurer.

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  Sir James Dickson, an early Minister for Defence.

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  Sir John Forrest, who held several key roles.

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  Richard O'Connor, a Senator and government leader.

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  Elliott Lewis, a Minister without Portfolio.

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  James Drake, Postmaster-General and later Minister for Defence.

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  Sir Philip Fysh, who also served as Postmaster-General.