Series descriptive note

Summary heading

Ministerial correspondence of John Winston Howard as Prime Minister

Function and purpose

This series consists of correspondence in the format of typed and handwritten letters, emails and faxed documents sent to the Prime Minister. The material in the series includes the original correspondence together with the reply sent under John Howard’s signature as well as associated administrative notes and documents.

The correspondence covers a wide variety of subjects including defence matters, conservation, transport, climate change, gun control, and various meetings of national and international organisations and Aboriginal matters. Other general matters contained in the series include appointments of individuals to boards, organisations and other bodies; retirements; and correspondence with foreign dignitaries; as well as congratulatory, good luck and good will messages sent to sporting personalities, and foreign dignitaries. There are also a number of documents which have been grouped together under the heading of economic figures which includes economic forecasts; unemployment; housing; and trade figures.

Using the series

The records are arranged in chronological order and titles have been added to the original date to allow for keyword searching. A large range of keywords have been used, some covering more common subjects such at defence; aviation; forestry; and taxation. In addition there are some extra keywords for specific subjects such as the Wik decision and Native Title matters as well as the Aboriginal matters keyword.

Other keywords used refer to more general topics for example overseas travel; retirements; congratulatory messages; and appointments; as well as ones referring to various organisations including COAG (Council of Australian Governments); and APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation).

Physical characteristics

The records which were originally housed in suspension files have been rehoused into archival folders.

System of arrangement and control

A single number system was imposed by the National Archives of Australia.

Relationships with other records

A related series comprises papers actioned and signed on the Prime Minister’s behalf by his advisers (M4261).

Finding aids

Restricted access (as at Feb 2003).

Access conditions

Refer to the depositor agreement for access conditions.

Series history

Provenance

Immediate source of acquisition

Custodial history

Records were transferred to the custody of the National Archives of Australia on 23 January 2004, 15 October 2004, 25 September 2006, 1 November 2007 and 27 November 2007.

Quantity in agency custody

Disposal history

Publication note

Additional information

End notes

Sources