Felicity Caldwell reports in the Brisbane Times (1.1.17) on the annual release of the Queensland Government Cabinet minutes from their 30-year embargo.
‘The year was 1986 and Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen was enjoying the final years of his reign as the longest-serving premier of Queensland.
‘Tropical Cyclone Winifred lashed northern Queensland, claiming three lives, Yvonne Chapman became the first woman to secure a cabinet position in the state’s Parliament, a mine explosion at Moura killed 12 workers and the Roma Transit Centre opened.
‘And Sir Joh was at the height of his power and influence, with his Nationals securing a nine-seat majority at the election in November, the first under new boundaries and increased districts.
‘The Queensland State Archives releases the cabinet minutes from a 30-year embargo on January 1 each year, with the 1986 documents now available online.’
- Joh Bjelke-Petersen’s 1986 cabinet documents released from embargo »
- Media Statement: 1986 Cabinet Minutes reveal a year of change and chaos »
- Queensland Government Cabinet Minutes at QLD State Archives »
- 1986 Queensland cabinet documents reveal shape of Sir Joh’s government one year before abrupt end »