The ministry was the first of four consecutive occasions when the Government was led by Cahill, as Premier.

Cahill was first elected to the New South Wales Legislative Assembly in 1925 and served until 1932, representing the seats of St George and Arncliffe before being defeated.

Having served continuously as Secretary for Public Works in the first, second, and third ministries of Jim McGirr, when Deputy Premier Jack Baddeley resigned, Cahill was appointed as McGirr's deputy on 21 September 1949.

[1] This ministry covers the period from 2 April 1952 until 23 February 1953[2][3] when Cahill led Labor to victory at the 1953 state election and the Second Cahill ministry was formed.

Ministers are listed in order of seniority and in most cases, serve the full term of this ministry.