New South Wales colonial election, 1894

New South Wales colonial election, 1894

17 July 1894 (1894-07-17)
All 125 seats in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly.
First party Second party Third party   100px Leader George Reid George Dibbs no leader Party Free Trade Protectionist Labor Leader since September 1891 January 1889 Leader's seat East Sydney (contesting Sydney-King) Murrumbidgee (contesting Tamworth) Last election 44 seats 52 seats 35 seats Seats won 50 seats 37 seats 15 seats Seat change 6 15 20 Percentage 30.34 27.69% 16.49% Swing 6.15 8.81 4.13
300px Legislative Assembly after the election
Premier before election George Dibbs Protectionist Elected Premier George Reid Free Trade

The 1894 New South Wales colonial election was held on 17 July 1894. This election was for all of the 125 seats in the 16th New South Wales Legislative Assembly and it was conducted in single-member constituencies with a first past the post voting system. The 15th parliament of New South Wales was dissolved on 25 June 1894 by the Governor, Sir Robert Duff, on the advice of the Premier, George Dibbs.

This election saw the elimination of multi-member districts. At the previous election there had been 20 two-member districts, 10 three-member districts, and 9 four-member districts. Their elimination also saw the Assembly reduced in size from 141 to 125 members.

Although he had lost control of the Assembly, Dibbs did not resign until after the parliament had reconvened, when the Governor forced his hand.

Key dates

Date	Event
25 June 1894	The Legislative Assembly was dissolved, and writs were issued by the Governor to proceed with an election.
9 – 14 July 1894	Nominations for candidates for the election closed at noon.
27 July 1894	Polling day.
7 August 1894	Opening of 16th Parliament.

Results

New South Wales colonial election, 17 July 1894 Legislative Assembly << 1891 — 1895 >>
Enrolled voters		255,802
Votes cast		200,956		Turnout	78.56	+19.48
Informal votes		3,310		Informal	1.62	−0.38
Summary of votes by party
Party		Primary votes	%	Swing	Seats	Change
	Free Trade	60,966	30.34	−6.15	50	+6
	Protectionist	55,652	27.69	−8.81	37	−15
	Labor	33,143	16.49	−4.13	15	−20
	Ind. Free Trade	23,324	11.61	+7.91	11	+7
	Ind. Protectionist	14,434	7.18	+5.17	4	±0
	Independent Labor	11,504	5.72	+5.30	8	+7
	Independent	1,933	0.96	−0.71	0	−1
Total		200,956			125

See also

• Candidates of the New South Wales colonial election, 1894
• Members of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly, 1894–1895