The logic of the policy changes initiated by the Hawke government in mid-1990 has underpinned asylum-seeker policy for much of the quarter-century since.
Academic rigour, journalistic flair
Articles on Cabinet papers 1990-91
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The 1990s obsession with the current account looks silly with hindsight, perhaps akin to our current one with fiscal deficits and surpluses.
There is little of Gareth Evans’ sweeping analysis in the cabinet papers of 1990-91 of a rapidly changing world order or of his vision of good international citizenship.
The National Archives of Australia today released selected federal cabinet records for 1990 and 1991. They reveal intense battles over Australia’s domestic climate targets and, above all, a palpable determination that Australia not damage its coal revenue.
While the press at the time focused on what Keating called “the Punch and Judy show”, cabinet papers reveal that the fourth Hawke government was working at an astonishing pace at reforms still felt today.
Top contributors
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Emeritus Professor of International Relations, La Trobe University
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Research economist, The University of Melbourne
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Professor of History, ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences, Australian National University
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Visiting Fellow, Science Policy, University of Sussex
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Professor in History, Australian National University
