This series consists of correspondence broadly similar to that contained in the general correspondence series. The main reason for their separation is that the correspondents were all known to the prime minister. The title of 'Personal Papers' was given to this material at the time of creation by the staff of the Office of the Prime Minister.

In April 1999 the series was partially transferred to the custody of the University of South Australia, Adelaide, for use in the Robert Hawke Ministerial Library.