[1] When Victoria became a state, the letters patent provided for a lieutenant-governor, but the office was not filled.

Instead, following the practice in New South Wales, the Chief Justice of Victoria acted as the governor when required.

This changed on 6 November 1886, when Sir William Stawell, the outgoing Chief Justice, was appointed lieutenant governor.

The conferring of honors on retiring dignitaries was a common practice in the UK at the time.

[2] After his death in 1889, the position again became vacant until Sir John Madden was appointed lieutenant-governor on 10 June 1899.