This series consists of 36 files containing correspondence maintained in the Prime Minister’s Office during the Prime Ministership of Joseph Benedict (Ben) Chifley. The period covered is primarily from mid 1947 to the defeat of the Chifley Government in December 1949. However, the series commencement date of 1945 has been preferred, to take into account earlier papers which clearly indicate that the filing system was in use prior to 1947 (see item 3). The files relate to various Ministerial portfolios (Air to Works and Housing), although some others are specifically concerned with the Public Service Board, state issues and miscellaneous matters.

The papers in each file are arranged alphabetically by name of correspondent (or occasionally subject). For example, the file for the Labour and National Service portfolio (item 13) has papers headed W Alward to Whyalla Combined Unions Council. The name of the portfolio is typed on the top left hand corner of the correspondence, and the name of the correspondent (or, occasionally, subject) on the top right hand corner. The correspondents include individuals, local government bodies, companies, unions, lobby groups and community organisations. Their enquiries or representations cover a wide range of subjects, from legislation, industry, employment, housing, immigration, pensions to imports and exports.

The Prime Minister’s Department transferred the records to archival custody in February 1950. For many years they were controlled as part of an accession (CP 62/2, mainly Bundle 5) until converted to series M1457 and allocated individual file numbers in May 1984. The series description was revised as part of the Prime Ministers Papers’ Project in February 2004.