The first Playford ministry was the 58th ministry of the Government of South Australia, led by the state's 33rd premier Thomas Playford. Playford inherited the premiership in November 1938 after the resignation of Richard Butler, who sought to enter federal politics. Initially five seats short of a majority, Playford's 1941 election victory gave his government the exact amount required to form a majority. His first ministry was dissolved following the 1944 election after Percy Blesing refused to resign. His second ministry would stand for over 20 years, largely thanks to the Playmander.
Arrangement The ministry was formed on 5 November 1938. The ministry saw little change over its five years; Lyell McEwin replacing George Ritchie was the only change in personnel. Playford picked up Shirley Jeffries' responsibilities shortly before the ministry was dissolved in May 1944, following his electoral defeat. PartyMinisterPortraitOfficesLiberal and CountryThomas Playford(1896–1981) MHA for Gumeracha(1938–1968)Premier Treasurer Minister of Immigration Attorney-General (from 6 May 1944) Minister of Education (from 6 May 1944) Minister of Industry and Employment (from 6 May 1944)Liberal and CountryShirley Jeffries(1886–1963) MHA for Torrens(1938–1944)Attorney-General (until 6 May 1944) Minister of Education (until 6 May 1944) Minister of Industry and Employment (until 6 May 1944)Liberal and CountryReginald Rudall(1885–1955) MHA for Angas(1938–1944)Commissioner of Crown Lands Minister of Repatriation Minister of IrrigationLiberal and CountryMalcolm McIntosh(1888–1960) MHA for Albert(1921–1959)Commissioner of Public Works Minister of Railways Minister of Marine Minister of Local GovernmentLiberal and CountryGeorge Ritchie(1864–1944) MLC for Northern District(1924–1944)Chief Secretary (until 8 August 1939) Minister of Health (until 8 August 1939) Minister of Mines (until 8 August 1939)Liberal and CountryPercy Blesing(1879–1949) MLC for Northern District(1924–1949)Minister of Agriculture Minister of AfforestationLiberal and CountryLyell McEwin(1897–1988) MLC for Northern District(1934–1975)Chief Secretary (from 8 August 1939) Minister of Health (from 8 August 1939) Minister of Mines (from 8 August 1939)
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