It came into operation on 14 March 2013, following the replacement of Terry Mills as Chief Minister and leader of the Country Liberal Party by Adam Giles.

It ended on 31 August 2016, when Labor leader Michael Gunner became Chief Minister following his victory at the 2016 election.

On 2 February 2015, cabinet member Willem Westra van Holthe challenged Chief Minister Adam Giles for the leadership of the Country Liberal Party, and announced that the party had voted him as leader and chief minister apparent.

The next day, Giles refused to resign as chief minister and after a meeting of the parliamentary wing of the CLP, emerged to announce that he was still the leader and that Westra van Holthe would be his deputy.

John Elferink was sacked as Minister for Correctional Services on 26 July 2016, with Adam Giles assuming the portfolio.