The First Deakin ministry (Protectionist) was the 2nd ministry of the Government of Australia. It was led by the country's 2nd Prime Minister, Alfred Deakin. The First Deakin ministry succeeded the Barton ministry, which dissolved on 24 September 1903 following Sir Edmund Barton's retirement from Parliament to enter the inaugural High Court. The ministry was replaced by the Watson ministry on 27 April 1904 after the Labour Party withdrew their support over the Conciliation and Arbitration Bill. James Drake, who died in 1941, was the last surviving member of the First Deakin ministry; Drake was also the last surviving minister of the Barton government and the Reid government. Ministry References Ministries of Edward VII Australian Commonwealth ministries 1903 establishments in Australia 1904 disestablishments in Australia Cabinets established in 1903 Cabinets disestablished in 1904