| Cabinet Name: | First Robertson ministry |
| Cabinet Number: | 6th |
| Jurisdiction: | the Colony of New South Wales |
| Flag Border: | true |
| Image Size2: | x85px |
| Image Size3: | x85px |
| Government Head: | John Robertson |
| State Head: | Queen Victoria |
| State Head Title: | Monarch |
| Governor: | William Denison |
| Members Number: | 5 |
| Political Party: | unaligned |
| Legislature Status: | Minority government |
| Opposition Party: | unaligned |
| Previous: | Forster ministry |
| Successor: | Third Cowper ministry |
The first Robertson ministry was the sixth ministry of the Colony of New South Wales, and was led by John Robertson. It was the first of five occasions that Robertson was Premier. Robertson was elected in the first free elections for the New South Wales Legislative Assembly held in March 1856.
The title of Premier was widely used to refer to the Leader of Government, but not enshrined in formal use until 1920.
There was no party system in New South Wales politics until 1887. Under the constitution, ministers were required to resign to recontest their seats in a by-election when appointed.[1] Such ministerial by-elections were usually uncontested and on this occasion John Robertson (The Upper Hunter), William Arnold (The Paterson) and Elias Weekes (West Maitland) were all re-elected unopposed.[2]
This ministry covers the period from 9 March 1860 until 9 January 1861, when Robertson resigned his commission.
| Portfolio | Minister | Term start | Term end | Term length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier Secretary for Lands | John Robertson | 9 March 1860 | 9 January 1861 | days |
| Colonial Secretary | Charles Cowper MLC / MLA | |||
| Colonial Treasurer | Elias Weekes | |||
| Secretary for Public Works | William Arnold | |||
| Attorney General Representative of the Government in the Legislative Council | John Hargrave MLC |