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
Centrelink given approval to spy on claimants Centrelink given approval to spy on claimants
Crackdown on serious welfare fraud through “optical surveillance devices”.
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.
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.
Post-austerity spend tightly constrained
Ministers bridled under the restrictions imposed for the 1998-99 budget.
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.
Costello call for simplified tax system
Peter Costello has warned that the tax system is sapping productivity, efficiency and competitiveness.
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.
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.
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.
Why referendum wording had to be ‘controlled’
Cabinet was advised to ‘control’ the words to be proposed in a referendum or risk division.
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.
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.
Unlocking Howard cabinet secrets
Documents show how conviction and purpose guided policy.
Howard helped plot mass sackings
The Howard government authorised the advance of taxpayer funds for mass sackings of union employees, it has emerged.
Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/topics/cabinet-papers/page/4