On January 1st, Queensland State Archives (QSA) released the 1991 Cabinet Minutes of the Queensland government after expiry of the 30-year embargo period. The Minutes reveal the decision-making of the Goss Labor government in its second full year in office.
Details of the Minutes can be accessed via QSA’s online search facilities, linked below. TJ Ryan Foundation Research Associate, Chris Salisbury, produced reports for QSA on his research of the Goss Cabinet’s decisions and their background context, also linked below.
‘In 1991, Queenslanders witnessed more of the international conflict, economic upheaval and significant changes to the world order – and to domestic affairs – heralded in the previous year.
‘… This year was again marked by the Labor administration’s occasionally landmark but overall gradual and methodical reform agenda. Contemporary observers noted that the government’s social reform program slowed after the previous year’s headway and appeared at times overly cautious, citing ‘tame’ responses to issues such as anti-discrimination and regulation of prostitution. It was still, though, a busy agenda, with one hundred pieces of legislation passed in the Parliament this year.’
- QLD State Archives – 1991 Cabinet Minutes search catalogue »
- Chris Salisbury: 1991 Cabinet Minutes research reports »
- In 1991, Joan Sheldon blazed a trail for women in Qld politics »
- Queensland’s 1991 cabinet papers reveal decisions that shaped a modern state in the aftermath of the Bjelke-Petersen era »