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61-679: The premier of Victoria is the head of government of the state of Victoria in Australia. The premier leads the Cabinet of Victoria and selects its ministers . The premier is appointed by the governor of Victoria , must be a member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly , and command confidence in the lower house of the Parliament of Victoria . The premier is usually the leader of the political party that holds
122-639: A Premier from the Socialist Left, dubbing her "Mother Russia". She was lampooned alternatively as a sinister commissar and as a frumpy housewife in a polka-dot dress. She seemed unfazed by the Herald Sun and gradually won some respect, though she was unable to improve the government's standing significantly. During 1991 and 1992 Kirner took several decisions to cut government spending and raise revenue to some extent, however her government failed to cut spending in many areas including education. Most of
183-499: A broader sense, a head of government can be used loosely when referring to various comparable positions under a dominant head of state (especially is the case of ancient or feudal eras, so the term "head of government", in this case, could be considered a contradiction in terms). In this case, the prime minister serves at the pleasure of the monarch and holds no more power than the monarch allows. Some such titles are diwan, mahamantri , pradhan , wasir or vizier . However, just because
244-423: A constitution. In presidential republics or in absolute monarchies , the head of state is also usually the head of government. The relationship between that leader and the government, however, can vary greatly, ranging from separation of powers to autocracy , according to the constitution (or other basic laws) of the particular state. In semi-presidential systems , the head of government may answer to both
305-422: A head of government is Prime Minister . This is used as a formal title in many states, but may also be an informal generic term to refer to whichever office is considered the principal minister under an otherwise styled head of state , as minister — Latin for servants or subordinates—is a common title for members of a government (but many other titles are in use, e.g. chancellor and secretary of state). Formally
366-661: A leading role in the Landcare movement. Subsequently, she devoted her energies to the Australian affiliate of EMILY's List Australia , an organisation which promotes pro-choice women's careers in politics. Kirner was one of the leaders of the movement in the Labor Party to adopt a policy of setting targets for the number of women candidates in winnable electorates. She repeatedly publicly supported candidates identified with her Socialist Left faction. From January 2006, Kirner
427-517: A majority of lower house members. Each premier since 1933, apart from short-serving Premier Ian Macfarlan , has had a portrait commissioned for the Victorian Parliament's portrait collection. The tradition was initiated by Legislative Council President Fred Grimwade . Premiers who have served for over 3,000 days have a statue created in their honor. As of 2024, six premiers have achieved this milestone and four have their statues near
488-531: A ministry. From Australia's federation in 1901 until the 1950s, Victorian political history was marked by instability, with 24 changes in government during that time. Henry Bolte , then leader of the Liberal Party , won the 1955 election , and went on to serve as premier for 17 years and 83 days becoming the longest serving premier to date. Following Bolte, two more Liberal Party leaders, Rupert Hamer and Lindsay Thompson , would serve as premier, before
549-431: A musical skit performing Joan Jett 's " I Love Rock 'n' Roll ". This brief performance was covered nationally by the media. In an August 2009 interview with GTV-9 , Kirner revealed that she had suffered a heavy near-fatal fall at a meeting 18 months earlier. She also revealed that she had osteoporosis and was blind in one eye. In August 2013, it was announced that Kirner had been diagnosed with esophageal cancer and
610-666: A portrait commissioned for the Victorian Parliament's portrait collection. The tradition was initiated by Legislative Council President Fred Grimwade . Deceased premiers have their portraits painted from images and living former premiers have their portrait painted in person. Premiers who hold the office for 3,000 days (8 years and 88 days) have a statue made in their likeness as a commemoration of their legacy. Six premiers, Daniel Andrews , Henry Bolte , John Cain Jr , Albert Dunstan , Rupert Hamer , and James McCulloch have done so, but four have had their statues completed. Daniel Andrews' statue
671-459: A premier's resignation or an election loss, the governor of Victoria appoints a new premier by swearing them in . If a government loses an election, the existing premier and ministers continue on a caretaker basis by convention until a new government is appointed, ensuring Victoria always has a government. An outgoing premier will typically advise the governor to request they call on the Leader of
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#1732764882203732-410: A president, chancellor, or prime minister, and the relationship between that position and other state institutions, such as the relation between the head of state and of the legislature, varies greatly among sovereign states, depending largely on the particular system of the government that has been chosen, won, or evolved over time. In most parliamentary systems , including constitutional monarchies ,
793-474: A short period before resigning. She retired from Parliament in 1994 and was succeeded by one of her former aides for the electorate of Williamstown, future premier Steve Bracks . A portrait of Kirner painted by Adelaide artist Annette Bezor in 1994 hangs in Queen's Hall at Parliament House Victoria. After leaving Parliament, Kirner remained active in community affairs and politics. Initially this led her to
854-460: A total of 13 days in office. He was also the first premier from the Labor Party . Lists of people who have been premier: Chris Minns ( ALP ) David Crisafulli ( LNP ) Peter Malinauskas ( ALP ) Jeremy Rockliff ( Lib ) Jacinta Allan ( ALP ) Roger Cook ( ALP ) Andrew Barr ( ALP ) Lia Finocchiaro ( CLP ) Head of government In the executive branch,
915-758: Is alleged that the increased personalisation of leadership in a number of states has led to heads of government becoming themselves "semi-presidential" figures, due in part to media coverage of politics that focuses on the leader and his or her mandate, rather than on parliament; and to the increasing centralisation of power in the hands of the head of government. Such allegations have been made against three former British Prime ministers: Margaret Thatcher , Tony Blair , and Boris Johnson . They were also made against Italian prime ministers Silvio Berlusconi and Matteo Renzi , Canadian prime minister Pierre Trudeau and Federal Chancellor of West Germany (later all of Germany), Helmut Kohl , when in power. The head of government
976-466: Is often provided with an official residence , often in the same fashion as heads of state often are. The name of the residence is often used as a metonym or alternative title for 'the government' when the office is politically the highest, e.g. in the UK "Downing Street announced today…" Well-known official residences of heads of government include: Similarly, heads of government of federal entities below
1037-512: Is paid a total salary of A$ 481,190. This is made up of the basic salary received by all members of parliament ($ 198,839), an additional salary for the role of premier ($ 221,871), and an expense allowance of $ 60,480. Changes to the premier's salary are determined by the Victorian Independent Remuneration Tribunal. Each premier since 1933, apart from Ian Macfarlan , who served for only 51 days, has had
1098-483: Is pending completion and James McCulloch, despite serving for over 3,000 days, did not get a statue. Historians Paul Strangio and Brian J. Costar have suggested that this is likely due to McCulloch serving his terms before federation and/or non-consecutively. The statues, sculpted in bronze by Peter Corlett , were installed in September 1999 after premier Jeff Kennett instituted the policy. The statues are located near
1159-617: The 1992 state election . Born Joan Elizabeth Hood in Essendon , Melbourne , the only child of John Keith and Beryl Edith (née Cole) Hood, a fitter and turner and music teacher , respectively, Kirner was educated at state and private schools. She graduated in arts from the University of Melbourne , and completed a teaching qualification. She taught in state schools and became active in school and parents' organisations. In 1960 she married Ron Kirner, with whom she had three children. She
1220-698: The General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party ( top leader in a one-party system) has always held this office since 1993 except for the months of transition . In directorial systems , the executive responsibilities of the head of government are spread among a group of people. A prominent example is the Swiss Federal Council , where each member of the council heads a department and also votes on proposals relating to all departments. The most common title for
1281-500: The Labor Party won government in 1982 with John Cain , whose father had also served as Premier. Cain resigned from the office of premier in 1990 and was succeeded by Joan Kirner , Victoria's first female premier. Between 2014 and 2023, Daniel Andrews served as premier, winning three elections before resigning in favour of current premier, Jacinta Allan. A premier must hold a seat in the Legislative Assembly and have
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#17327648822031342-741: The Legislative Council was on 11 November 1851, at St Patrick's Hall, Bourke Street West , with its primary focus the drafting of a constitution, for the Parliament of the United Kingdom's approval, to separate the Port Phillip District from New South Wales . Responsible government was established in 1855, when the constitution was passed by the British Parliament and received royal assent . This allowed Victoria to become its own colony, named after
1403-587: The Victorian Certificate of Education . Later in 1988 Kirner was elected deputy leader of the party and became Deputy Premier of Victoria . When Cain resigned after a collapse in his political support in August 1990, Kirner was elected Labor leader and thus became Victoria's first female Premier . By this time the Labor government was in deep crisis, with some of the state's financial institutions on
1464-427: The head of government is the highest or the second-highest official of a sovereign state , a federated state , or a self-governing colony , autonomous region , or other government who often presides over a cabinet , a group of ministers or secretaries who lead executive departments. In diplomacy , "head of government" is differentiated from " head of state ". The authority of a head of government, such as
1525-611: The Crown . Elections are held every four years, on the last Saturday of November, with the next election set for 28 November 2026 . There are no term limits imposed on a premier. The role of the premier includes leading parliament, serving as the Chief Minister and Chair of Cabinet, choosing ministers and assigning portfolios, handling portfolio responsibilities, and communicating between the Victorian Government,
1586-713: The Governor and Cabinet, other state and territory governments, the Commonwealth Government, and overseas governments. The premier represents Victoria as a member of the National Cabinet . The National Cabinet was established on 13 March 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and replaced the Council of Australian Governments of which the premier was a member. As of 1 July 2023, the premier
1647-702: The Kirner Government attempts to cut spending were actively opposed by trade unions and some members of the government. The interest bill alone was $ 3.5 billion per year, the government sold off trains and trams and leased them back. Another decision was the sale of the state-owned State Bank of Victoria to the Commonwealth Bank in 1991. Kirner went into 1992 knowing she faced a statutory general election, one which opinion polls gave her virtually no chance of winning. She waited as long as she could, finally calling an election for October . It
1708-611: The Liberals won the election it would institute the same policies that were implemented in New Zealand by the then Fourth National Government. New Zealand Prime Minister Jim Bolger responded in reference to the campaign, "You know, they say that the show’s never over until the fat lady sings. Well, I think it was her we heard warming up in the wings this week". The "fat lady" was in reference to Kirner being overweight. Bolger refused to apologise for this remark citing that he himself
1769-581: The Opposition to form a government and to tender their and their ministers' resignation. The governor then accepts the resignations and appoints a new government. When a premier loses an election, the Leader of the Opposition must assure the governor that they have majority support in the Legislative Assembly. The governor then commissions them to form a government, and the new premier and parliamentarians nominated as ministers are then sworn in as Ministers of
1830-417: The basis of the strength of party support in the lower house; in some other states, the head of government is directly elected by parliament. Many parliamentary systems require ministers to serve in parliament, while others ban ministers from sitting in parliament (they must resign on becoming ministers). Heads of government are typically removed from power in a parliamentary system by Constitutions differ in
1891-486: The brink of insolvency, the budget deficit unsustainably high and growing and the Labor Party deeply divided on how to respond to the situation. The party hoped that the elevation of a popular woman as its new leader would improve its position, but Kirner never succeeded in gaining control of the crisis into which the state had plunged. The conservative-leaning Melbourne newspaper, the Herald Sun , reacted unfavourably to
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1952-473: The collegial Government , whose members are all appointed and dismissed at the Prime Minister's sole discretion. Under the unwritten British constitution , the prime minister 's role has evolved, based often on the individual's personal appeal and strength of character, as contrasted between, for example, Winston Churchill as against Clement Attlee , Margaret Thatcher as against John Major . It
2013-533: The community through conservation initiatives, contributions to gender equality, the development of education and training programs and the pursuit of civil rights and social inclusion." In May 2017, the Victorian Government recognised her legacy by offering 25 scholarships to young women, who will participate in the Joan Kirner Young and Emerging Women Leaders program. In May 2019, the new specialist maternity and paediatric centre at Sunshine Hospital
2074-456: The government and provides (e.g. by turns) the ceremonial Head of state. The only state in which this system is currently employed is Switzerland but other countries such as Uruguay have employed it in the past . This system is described as the directorial system . See Head of state for further explanation of these cases. In parliamentary systems, government functions along the following lines: All of these requirements directly impact
2135-429: The head of government is the de facto political leader of the government, and is answerable to at least one chamber of the legislature. Although there is often a formal reporting relationship to a head of state , the latter usually acts as a figurehead who may take the role of chief executive on limited occasions, either when receiving constitutional advice from the head of government or under specific provisions in
2196-453: The head of government's role. Consequently, they often play a 'day to day' role in parliament, answering questions and defending the government on the 'floor of the House', while in semi-presidential systems they may not be required to play as much of a role in the functioning of parliament. In many countries, the head of government is commissioned by the head of state to form a government, on
2257-493: The head of state and the legislature with the specifics provided by each country's constitution. A modern example is the present French government, which originated as the French Fifth Republic in 1958. In France, the president , the head of state, appoints the prime minister , who is the head of government. However, the president must choose someone who can act effectively as an executive, but who also enjoys
2318-477: The head of state can also be the head of government as well ( ex officio or by ad hoc cumulation, such as a ruling monarch exercising all powers himself) but otherwise has formal precedence over the head of government and other ministers, whether he is their actual political superior (ruling monarch, executive president) or rather theoretical or ceremonial in character (constitutional monarch, non-executive president). Various constitutions use different titles, and even
2379-411: The head of state is a figurehead whilst the head of the government leads the ruling party. In some cases a head of government may even pass on the title in hereditary fashion. Such titles include the following: In some models the head of state and head of government are one and the same. These include: An alternative formula is a single chief political body (e.g., presidium ) which collectively leads
2440-434: The head of state is the de jure dominant position does not mean that he/she will not always be the de facto political leader. A skilled head of government like 19th-century German statesman Otto von Bismarck , Minister President of Prussia and later Chancellor of Germany under Emperor / King Wilhelm I , serves as an example showing that possession of formal powers does not equal political influence. In some cases,
2501-450: The head of state, such as a governor-general , may well be housed in a grander, palace-type residence. However, this is not the case when both positions are combined into one: Joan Kirner Joan Elizabeth Kirner AC (née Hood ; 20 June 1938 – 1 June 2015) was an Australian politician who was the 42nd Premier of Victoria , serving from 1990 to 1992. A Labor Party member of the Parliament of Victoria from 1982 to 1994, she
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2562-426: The level of the sovereign state (often without an actual head of state, at least under international law) may also be given an official residence, sometimes used as an opportunity to display aspirations of statehood: Usually, the residence of the heads of government is not as prestigious and grand as that of the head of state, even if the head of state only performs ceremonial duties. Even the formal representative of
2623-476: The practical reality for the Prime Minister of Belgium and the Prime Minister of Finland . Other states however, make their head of government a central and dominant figure within the cabinet system; Ireland's Taoiseach , for example, alone can decide when to seek a parliamentary dissolution, in contrast to other countries where this is a cabinet decision, with the Prime Minister just one member voting on
2684-484: The premier's office at 1 Treasury Place . Once retired, former premiers get an office in the Old Treasury Building, Melbourne . The longest-serving premier was Henry Bolte , who served from 7 June 1955 to 23 August 1972 for a total of 17 years and 77 days. He was a member of the Liberal Party . The shortest-serving premier was George Elmslie , who served from 9 December 1913 to 22 December 1913, for
2745-431: The premier's office at 1 Treasury Place . The longest-serving premier is Henry Bolte of the Liberal Party , who served for over 17 years. The shortest-serving premier is George Elmslie , first premier from the Labor Party , who served for 13 days. The current premier is Jacinta Allan of the Labor Party , who assumed the office on 27 September 2023 following the resignation of Daniel Andrews . The first meeting of
2806-530: The prime minister, along with the cabinet, controls domestic policy, with the president's influence largely restricted to foreign affairs. In communist states , the General Secretary of the Communist Party is the supreme leader, serving as de facto head of state and government. In China , the de jure head of government is the Premier . The Chinese president is legally a ceremonial office , but
2867-407: The range and scope of powers granted to the head of government. Some older constitutions; for example, Australia's 1900 text , and Belgium's 1830 text ; do not mention their prime ministerial offices at all, the offices became a de facto political reality without a formal constitutional status. Some constitutions make a Prime Minister primus inter pares ( first among equals ) and that remains
2928-476: The reigning monarch, Queen Victoria . Governor Charles Hotham appointed William Haines to be Victoria's first premier on 28 November 1855, with the first election, provided for by the Electoral Act 1856 , organised the following year. Victoria's first election saw Haines re-appointed as premier, and the election also marked the beginning of Victoria's bicameral system. The first sitting of parliament
2989-406: The same title can have various multiple meanings, depending on the constitutional order and political system of the state in question. In addition to prime minister, titles used for the democratic model, where there is an elected legislative body checking the head of government, include the following. Some of these titles relate to governments below the national level (e.g. states or provinces). In
3050-558: The suggestion. In Israel , while the Government is nominally a collegiate body with a primus inter pares role for the Prime Minister , the Israeli Prime Minister is the dominant figure in the executive branch in practice. The Prime Minister of Sweden , under the 1974 Instrument of Government , is a constitutional office with all key executive powers either directly at his or her disposal or indirectly through
3111-636: The support of France's legislature, the National Assembly , to be able to pass legislation. In some cases, the head of state may represent one political party but the majority in the National Assembly is of a different party. Given that the majority party has greater control over state funding and primary legislation , the president is in effect forced to choose a prime minister from the opposition party to ensure an effective, functioning legislature. In this case, known as cohabitation ,
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#17327648822033172-431: The support of a majority of lower house members. This is usually the leader of the political party or coalition with the majority of lower house seats. In the event of a minority government , where the government does not hold a majority of seats, the government is formed by a party and the support of crossbenchers , usually through commitments of confidence and supply to the party they wish to form government. Following
3233-667: The upper house of the Victorian Parliament . In 1985, she was elected to the Cabinet of John Cain Jr. 's Labor government and became Minister for Conservation, Forests and Lands. She proposed the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 , the first Australian legislation which gave legal protection of rare species. While Minister, and in association with Heather Mitchell from the Victorian Farmers' Federation , Kirner
3294-573: Was President of the Victorian Federation of States School Parents' Clubs, an influential education lobby from 1971 to 1977 and its executive officer from 1978 to 1982. She was appointed to several government advisory bodies on education. Kirner joined the Labor Party in 1978 and became a member of its Socialist Left faction. In 1982, she was elected as a Labor member of the Victorian Legislative Council ,
3355-482: Was a member of the Legislative Council before later winning a seat in the Legislative Assembly . Kirner was a minister and briefly deputy premier in the government of John Cain Jr. , and succeeded him as premier following his resignation. She was Australia's third female head of government and second female premier, Victoria's first, and held the position until her party was defeated in a landslide at
3416-471: Was instrumental in the formation of the first Landcare groups. At the 1988 election, Kirner shifted to the Legislative Assembly , becoming MP for Williamstown , and was promoted to the Education portfolio. In this portfolio Kirner carried out a series of controversial reforms aimed at reducing what Kirner saw as the class-based inequity of the education system, culminating in a new system of assessment,
3477-580: Was obvious as soon as the writs were dropped that Labor would not win a fourth term. Although she remained personally more popular than the Liberal Opposition Leader , Jeff Kennett , it was not nearly enough to overcome Victorians' growing anger at Labor. The Coalition's "Guilty Party" campaign did much to stoke this anger, targeting many Ministers in the Kirner Government and providing examples of concerns in their portfolios. The campaign attracted controversy with ALP ads stating that if
3538-545: Was on 25 November 1856, taking place in Parliament House, Melbourne . Initially, formal political parties did not exist. Every member of parliament (MP) was an independent , making it difficult for an MP to command the confidence of the Legislative Assembly. Between 1855 and 1863, there were seven changes of government, and eleven instances where Governor Henry Barkly was unable to find neither an MP who would be willing to serve as premier, nor an MP who could form
3599-481: Was overweight and did not want to make "an international incident" out of it. It did, however, anger women from Bolger's own National Party . The Coalition won the election in a landslide, scoring a 19-seat swing—the second-worst defeat that a sitting government has ever suffered in Victoria. The Liberals actually won enough seats that they could have governed in their own right. Kirner remained Opposition Leader for
3660-713: Was the Chair of the Ministerial Advisory Committee for Victorian Communities. Kirner was also a board member of Museum Victoria , operators of Melbourne Museum , Royal Exhibition Building , Scienceworks Museum and Immigration Museum, Melbourne . Kirner was a long-time advocate of abortion law reform to legalise abortion. She was an avid supporter of the Essendon Football Club . In 1993, she famously appeared on The Late Show with colleague David White , MLC for Doutta Galla , in
3721-588: Was undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Kirner died on 1 June 2015, 19 days short of her 77th birthday. On 26 January 1980, she was named a Member of the Order of Australia for her community service. On 1 January 2001, Kirner was awarded the Centenary Medal . On 11 June 2012, she was named a Companion of the Order of Australia for "eminent service to the Parliament of Victoria and to
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