The ministry was the second of two consecutive occasions when the Government was led by Heffron, as Premier.

Heffron was first elected to the New South Wales Legislative Assembly in 1930 and served continuously until 1968, representing the seats of Botany and Maroubra.

The following day, Heffron was elected as Labor Leader and became Premier.

Historian David Clune attributed Heffron's easy victory to a backlash against the economic policies of the Menzies federal government rather than a vote of confidence in Heffron's Labor.

[2] This ministry covers the period from 14 March 1962 until 30 April 1964,[3] when Heffron, aged 73, resigned as Premier and retired to the backbench, his successor as Premier being his deputy, Jack Renshaw.