Deputy Prime Minister of Australia

Australia's second-highest ranked political post is the position of Deputy Prime Minister of Australia. The Deputy Prime Minister is always the holder of a senior government post. In Labor governments, the Deputy Prime Minister is the party's deputy leader. In Liberal-National Party coalition governments, the Deputy Prime Minister is the leader of the National Party. The present Deputy Prime Minister is Mark Vaile.

Related Topics:
Australia's - Labor - Liberal - National Party - Coalition - Mark Vaile

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Deputy Prime Minister will usually act as Prime Minister when the Prime Minister is overseas or otherwise unavailable. The Deputy Prime Minister usually holds at least one portfolio in addition to that of Deputy Prime Minister. Mark Vaile, for example, is Minister for Trade.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The office of Deputy Prime Minister was created in January 1968, as an honour for John McEwen, the long-serving leader of the Country Party (predecessor of the National Party). Prior to that time the term was used unofficially for the second-highest ranking minister in the government.

Related Topics:
1968 - John McEwen - Country Party

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~