1872 New South Wales colonial election

The 1872 New South Wales colonial election was held between 13 February and 28 March 1872. This election was for all of the 72 seats in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly and it was conducted in 52 single-member constituencies, six 2-member constituencies and two 4-member constituencies, all with a first past the post system. Suffrage was limited to adult white males. The previous parliament of New South Wales was dissolved on 3 February 1872 by the Governor, Lord Belmore, on the advice of the Premier, Sir James Martin.

1872 New South Wales colonial election

← 1869–70 13 February 1872 – 28 March 1872 1874–75 →
All 72 seats in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly 37 Assembly seats were needed for a majority
First party Second party Third party   Leader Henry Parkes Sir James Martin John Robertson Party Opposition Government Robertsonite Leader's seat Mudgee (elected to East Sydney) East Sydney (elected to East Macquarie) West Sydney Seats before 38[1] 18[1] 3 Seats won 46[2][3] 6[2][3] 3[2][3] Seat change 8 12
Results of the election, showing winners in each seat. Seats without member charts indicate the electorate returned one member.
Premier before election Sir James Martin Elected Premier Henry Parkes

There was no recognisable party structure at this election; instead the government was determined by a loose, shifting factional system.

Key dates

Date	Event
3 February 1872	The Legislative Assembly was dissolved, and writs were issued by the Governor to proceed with an election.
12 February to 7 March 1872	Nominations for candidates for the election closed.
13 February to 28 March 1872	Polling days.
30 April 1872	Opening of new Parliament.

Results

Main article: Results of the 1872 New South Wales colonial election

New South Wales colonial election, 13 February 1872 – 28 March 1872 [4] Legislative Assembly << 1869–70–1874–75 >>
Enrolled voters
Votes cast		91,784		Turnout	48.44	−5.26
Informal votes		642		Informal	1.00	+0.59
Summary of votes by party
Party		Primary votes	%	Swing	Seats	Change
Total		91,784			72