The Forster ministry was the fifth ministry of the Colony of New South Wales, and was led by William Forster. Forster was elected in the first free elections for the New South Wales Legislative Assembly held in March 1856. He was asked to form Government after the second Cowper ministry lost an educational bill in the Assembly. The title of Premier was widely used to refer to the Leader of Government, but not enshrined in formal use until 1920. This ministry covers the period of just four months from 27 October 1859 until 8 March 1860, when Forster resigned his commission.