When the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly was created in 1974, the head of government was officially known as majority leader.

When the Northern Territory acquired limited self-government in 1978, the title of the head of government became chief minister with greatly expanded powers, though still somewhat less than those of a state premier.

Since 28 August 2024, following the 2024 Northern Territory general election, the chief minister is Lia Finocchiaro of the Country Liberal Party.

When the Territory attained self-government on 1 July 1978, Everingham became chief minister and his Executive became a Ministry.

[5] On 21 December 2023, Eva Lawler replaced Fyles by a unanimous decision of the Labor caucus.