Deputy Prime Minister of Australia

Deputy Prime Minister of Australia
since 23 May 2022
StyleThe Honourable
AbbreviationDPM
Member of
Reports toPrime Minister
SeatCanberra
AppointerGovernor-General of Australia
on the advice of the prime minister
Term lengthAt the Governor-General's pleasure
Formation10 January 1968 (1968-01-10)
First holderJohn McEwen
SalaryAU$416,212

The deputy prime minister of Australia is the deputy head of government and the second highest ranking officer of the Australian Government. The office of deputy prime minister was officially created as a ministerial portfolio in 1968, although the title had been used informally for many years previously. The deputy prime minister is appointed by the governor-general on the advice of the prime minister. When Australia has a Labor government, the deputy leader of the parliamentary party holds the position of deputy prime minister. When Australia has a Coalition government, the Coalition Agreement mandates that all Coalition members support the leader of the Liberal Party becoming prime minister and the leader of the National Party becoming the deputy prime minister.