This series consists of subject files maintained by the Rt Hon John Grey Gorton while he was Prime Minister (1968-1971) and, subsequently, Minister for Defence (1971-1972).

The files mainly relate to the Vietnam War, the Second Voyager Royal Commission, the Five Power defence arrangements, provision of training facilities for Singapore in Australia, purchase of F-111 aircraft, journalist Maxwell Newton, civil disturbance in New Guinea (and the background to self-government). Several files include correspondence between Gorton and his Ministers, state Premiers and heads of foreign governments (particularly the US President, Richard Nixon) on various matters.

National Archives has imposed a single number system of control on the files, which were transferred to archival custody in June 1994.