Plan to allay Olympics threat
The impact of ‘games-related decisions’ on the federal budget climbed to more than half a billion dollars.
Cabinet Papers
Rise of internet challenge for spies
The spread of a strange new technology — the internet — led to ASIO being given authority to remotely hack into computers.
The events of 1998-99
From Bill Clinton’s impeachment and the founding of Google to the East Timor independence vote.
Change to socio-economic base
The Howard government’s school funding reforms were sold to cabinet on the basis they would better target taxpayer assistance.
Fast response for any Gulf conflict
Iraq’s decision to refuse inspectors access to sites suspected weapons of mass destruction sites triggered the flare-up.
Post-austerity spend tightly constrained
Ministers bridled under the restrictions imposed for the 1998-99 budget.
Centrelink given approval to spy on claimants Centrelink given approval to spy on claimants
Crackdown on serious welfare fraud through “optical surveillance devices”.
An older populace calls for new ideas New strategy for older population
The ageing population was at the forefront of the federal cabinet’s thinking in June 1998.
Costello call for simplified tax system
Peter Costello has warned that the tax system is sapping productivity, efficiency and competitiveness.
Howard prepared for defeat in knife-edge poll
John Howard went into the election promising a major tax reform package with the fear ‘we might lose’.
Crean regrets use of ‘rollback’ over GST
Simon Crean stands by Labor’s decision to oppose the GST and promise to roll it back at the November 2001 election.
Howard feared E Timor ‘rogues’
John Howard says there was ‘a risk’ some elements of the Indonesian military would not accept the East Timor vote.
Why referendum wording had to be ‘controlled’
Cabinet was advised to ‘control’ the words to be proposed in a referendum or risk division.
High anxiety over taxation reform
There was near universal concern in cabinet that the GST reform could destroy the government after just one term in office.
Howard, Costello: keep building surplus
John Howard and Peter Costello have urged the Morrison government not to squander the budget surplus on a short-term stimulus.
Reith sought $100m to expand Work for Dole Reith sought $100m to expand Work for Dole
The Howard government was determined to beef up its Work for the Dole program in 1999.
Why high-speed rail went off track
High-speed rail plans between Sydney and Canberra made good progress in 1998 but were mysteriously killed off.
Y2K Bug fears overblown
Government and industry spent an almost $12 billion countering the Y2K bug ahead of the end of the millenium.
Sorry state of Stolen Generation
The Howard cabinet supported practical action that reunited Stolen Generation children with their families.
Minister lost bid to cut dole after year
Jocelyn Newman proposed saving $263 million over four years by cutting the dole for 367,000 people after one year.
Bigger cuts to broadcaster avoided
Cabinet papers rejected an option that would have resulted in cuts to the ABC and SBS of $125.6m in 1996.
Keating’s ‘alliance of one’ sought partners Keating’s ‘alliance of one’ sought new friends
In October 1996 when the Howard cabinet met to discuss the nation’s trade strategy, it faced an inconvenient truth.
‘Beazley’s black hole’ greeted new treasurer
The Keating government’s estimated surplus had evaporated and the new government pinned the blame on then opposition leader Kim Beazley.
Dodson recalls so much ‘hatred and viciousness’ Dodson recalls ‘hatred, viciousness’
The debate over native title in John Howard’s first term happened in a climate of ’hatred and viciousness’, says Pat Dodson.
Costello, Howard advocate cuts
John Howard and Peter Costello say the Coalition should have followed the same fiscal repair strategy as they did in the 1990s.
Telstra the jewel as sell-off of government-owned enterprises slashed debt
It was the greatest sale in Australian history.
Emissions agreement conundrum remains unsolved 20 years on
John Howard has warned that a “conundrum remains” in Australia’s approach to climate change.
When Keating mad Howard for tea
After a tough campaign that ended in crushing defeat, Paul Keating invited John Howard to The Lodge for a “symbolic” meeting.
Costello’s push for fiscal charter beat bureaucratic barrier
The Coalition government stared down public service opposition to its Charter of Budget Honesty.
Ruddock proposed migrants to regions
A plan to force migrants to settle in regional areas met a sceptical reception in the early days of the Howard government in 1996.
Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/topics/cabinet-papers/page/3