The release of the 1991 Queensland Cabinet Minutes in line with the 30-year rule reflects an insight into then Government led by Wayne Goss.
Minister for Digital Economy, Leeanne Enoch said the minutes revealed the continuing reform agenda of the Government, and the further distancing from the controversial Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen era.
“Many reforms had already been implemented to cleanse Queensland of the police and political corruption that had become entrenched during the Bjelke-Petersen era,” Ms Enoch said.
“In April, the Electoral Districts Act was passed, which abolished the State’s gerrymander system that had favoured regional and remote areas, where fewer enrolled voters were able to elect a Member to Parliament,” she said.
The Minister said Queenslanders’ right to peaceful assembly and protest — previously banned under the Bjelke-Petersen regime — was reinstated with the Peaceful Assembly Bill.
Ms Enoch said 1991 was also the year pokies were introduced to Queensland.
“After lengthy public debate, a Bill passed Parliament in March to allow the gaming machines and provide regulations governing their operation,” she said.
“It was also the year Cabinet agreed to expand casino operations in Queensland, identifying three acceptable sites in Brisbane (including the old Treasury Building).”
The Minister said there was a public inquiry into the conservation and land management of K’gari (Fraser Island) and the Great Sandy Region.
Ms Enoch said the inquiry recommended the island and surrounding region be protected ‘in perpetuity’ and given World Heritage listing.
“Cabinet agreed in September to stop logging on K’gari by the end of the year and the Government committed to a multi-million-dollar financial assistance package for the region’s displaced forestry industry workers,” she said.
Ms Enoch said 1991 was the year Queensland celebrated its first female party leader, with Joan Sheldon (pictured in 2018) heading the Liberal Party.
“She was also the first woman to lead the Liberal Party at State, Territory or Federal level in Australia,” she said.
The 1991 Cabinet Minutes are available to the public at the Queensland State Archives at Runcorn and on the State Archives website at this PS News link.
