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This topic relates to records that document the workings of Cabinet. In Victoria, all Ministers are members of Cabinet. Decisions about the actions a government will take are largely determined by Cabinet. Policy and legislative proposals are brought before Cabinet by Ministers or Cabinet Committees.
Almost no records are known to exist for Cabinet meetings prior to 1920, and very few records exist for the period 1920–1982. From April 1982 onwards, all Ministers received copies of all Cabinet documents, including submissions, agendas and decisions.
What do I need to know before I start?
Cabinet records held by PROV are subject to closure under s10 (1) of the Public Records Act. Cabinet records:
- Up to 1992 are open and accessible to researchers, including those of the Cain/Kirner government (April 1982- October 1992).
All subsequent Cabinet records will be opened according to the following timetable:
- Records created by the Kennett Government (October 1992 – October 1999) will be opened on 1 January 2032
- Records created by the Bracks/Brumby Government (20 October 1999 – 2 December 2010) will be opened on 1 January 2041; and
- Records created by the Baillieu Government and all subsequent governments will be opened annually from 1 January 2042.
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Material in the Public Record Office Victoria archival collection contains words and descriptions that reflect attitudes and government policies at different times which may be insensitive and upsetting
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples should be aware the collection and website may contain images, voices and names of deceased persons.
PROV provides advice to researchers wishing to access, publish or re-use records about Aboriginal Peoples
