1 January 2026
Each year on 1 January, hundreds of archival records are made public as part of Public Record Office Victoria’s (PROV) annual Section 9 openings. Under Section 9 of the Public Records Act 1973 (Vic) (the Act), records containing personal information – such as capital case files, criminal trial briefs and divorce records – are temporarily closed to protect individuals’ privacy.
This year, for the very first time, Victorian Cabinet records closed under Section 10(1) of the Act will also be opened. The Cabinet records span the period of the Labor Governments of John Cain Jr (8 April 1982–10 August 1990) and Victoria’s first female Premier, Joan Kirner (10 August 1990–6 October 1992).
Public Record Office Victoria Director and Keeper of Public Records, Justine Heazlewood, said that the 2026 openings mark a significant moment in Victoria’s archival history, offering a window into the decisions and events that shaped our state.
“As the official archive of the State Government of Victoria, our role is to preserve government records of enduring value to the people of Victoria. We are pleased that historians, researchers, and the general public now have access to these significant records that illuminate our fascinating history.”
- Records opening under Section 9 of the Act include the capital case file of Jean Lee, the last woman hanged in Victoria.
- Cabinet records opening under Section 10(1) of the Act cover topics such as:
o The introduction of Freedom of Information (FOI)
o The introduction of poker machines and plans for Melbourne’s casino
o Changes to Liquor Laws which transformed Melbourne’s night life
o Advances in equal opportunity
o The deregistration of the Builders Laborers Federation
o Decriminalisation of sex work
o Collapse of Tricontinental and Pyramid Building Society
o Sale of the State Bank
o Plans for the Tennis Centre, Docklands and Southbank
o The unsuccessful 1996 Melbourne Olympics Bid
o Changes to Firearms Legislation
o Plans for the MCG to ensure it could continue to host the Victorian Football League (VFL) Grand Final
o Introduction of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE)
o Ash Wednesday bushfires
o And much more.
Background
The system of Cabinet recordkeeping in Victoria was introduced following the election of Premier John Cain in April 1982 – 9 years after the Public Records Act was established. Prior to this, there was no formal process for documenting Cabinet submissions or deliberations. Additionally, no provisions existed regarding access to or closure of Cabinet records.
In the absence of specific access provisions, the Cain and Kirner Cabinet records were closed under Section 10(1) of the Public Records Act 1973 (Vic). This section permits records transferred to PROV to be closed for a specified period, not exceeding 30 years from the date of transfer, irrespective of the records’ age.
The Cain and Kirner Government Cabinet records were transferred to PROV in 1996. As of 31 December 2025, their closure period has ended.
The records now opening to the public fill 332 archival boxes and 2 electronic databases. They can be ordered online for viewing in the Victorian Archives Centre’s Reading Room.
Media contact
Tara Oldfield, 0418 698 364, media@prov.vic.gov.au
