Before the 1890s, there was no formal party system in New South Wales. Party labels before that time indicate a general tendency only. In the 1860s and 1870s, there was a fairly coherent Liberal tendency, led first by Charles Cowper and then by Henry Parkes. This later developed into the Free Trade Party. There was never an organised Conservative party, although some politicians used this label. Ministries which were not Liberal were usually factional. From the 1880s the party conflict was between Free Traders and Protectionists. This situation continued until the rise of the Labor in the 1890s. After Federation in 1901, the Protectionists renamed themselves Progressives, while the Free Traders became Liberals. These two parties later merged.
* Askin's given name was Robin but he changed it legally to Robert in 1971, prior to being knighted in 1972. Before then, he was generally known as Bob.
Living former premiers
As of September 2008, seven former Premiers are alive, the oldest being Tom Lewis (1975–76, born 1922). The most recent premier to die was Sir Eric Willis (1976–76), on 10 May1999.
In a Liberal Party-National Party coalitiongovernment, the leader of the National Party (formerly known as the Country Party) is also typically the Deputy Premier. The Premier is usually the leader of the Liberal Party.
In an Australian Labor Party government, the leader of the left wingfaction is typically the Deputy Premier. The Premier is usually the leader of the dominant right wing faction.