The Carruthers ministry was the 32nd ministry of the New South Wales Government, and was led by the 16th Premier, Joseph Carruthers. The title of Premier was widely used to refer to the Leader of Government, but was not a formal position in the government until 1920. Instead the Premier was appointed to another portfolio, usually Colonial Secretary. In this case, Carruthers chose the portfolio of Treasurer.
Under the constitution, ministers in the Legislative Assembly had their seats vacated on appointment and were required to regain them in an election.[1] Such ministerial by-elections were usually uncontested and on this occasion by-elections were required in The Glebe (James Hogue) Bingara (Samuel Moore) and
Tenterfield (Charles Lee) and all were comfortably re-elected. The other four ministers were re-elected unopposed.[2] This was the final occasion in which ministers had to contest by-elections as the constitution was amended in 1906.[1]
In 1907 the Progressive Party had negotiated a coalition agreement with the Liberal Reform Party however this was rejected by a vote of parliamentary members.[3] The party leader Thomas Waddell resigned and joined the Liberal Reform Party,[4] and a week later was appointed Chief Secretary in the ministry.
The ministry covers the period from 29 August 1904 until 1 October 1907,[5] when Carruthers resigned in favour of Charles Wade in a new alliance between the Association and what remained of the Progressive Party.[6]