Deputy Prime Minister of Australia

second officer of Australian government

The Deputy Prime Minister of Australia is the second-most senior officer in the Government of Australia. The office of Deputy Prime Minister was officially created as a ministerial portfolio in 1968.

Deputy Prime Minister of Australia
Incumbent
Richard Marles

since 23 May 2022
StyleThe Honourable
AppointerGovernor-General of Australia on the recommendation of the Prime Minister
Term lengthAt the Governor-General's pleasure
Inaugural holderJohn McEwen
Formation10 January 1968 (first gazetted)
SalaryAU$416,212 (since 2017)

The Deputy Prime Minister is appointed by the Governor-General on the advice of the Prime Minister.

Living former deputy prime ministers

change

As of October 2024, there are 11 living former deputy prime ministers of Australia, the oldest being Brian Howe (born 1936). The most recent former deputy prime minister to die was Doug Anthony (1971–72, 1975–83), on 20 December 2020.