The premier is appointed by the Governor of New South Wales, and by modern convention holds office by their ability to command the support of a majority of members of the lower house of Parliament, the Legislative Assembly.

Before Federation in 1901, the term "prime minister of New South Wales" was also used.

"Premier" has been used more or less exclusively from 1901, to avoid confusion with the federal prime minister of Australia.

[2][3] The current premier is Chris Minns, the leader of the New South Wales Labor Party, who assumed office on 28 March 2023.

Minns defeated Dominic Perrottet at the election held on 25 March 2023, after twelve years of Liberal/National Coalition rule.