The ministry was the fourth and final 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.

The main changes were that John McGrath retired at the 1959 election, William Gollan was dropped from the ministry, while Pat Hills and Norm Ryan were promoted.

[3] This ministry covers the period from 1 April when Cahill won the 1959 state election, until 28 October 1959.

[2] On 22 October 1959 Cahill, a heavy smoker, died at Sydney Hospital of a myocardial infarction while still serving as Premier.