Navigating Governance: Insights from 1993 Cabinet Minutes Reveal Wayne Goss's Leadership, from Cutting MPs' Flights to Tackling Mabo

Three decades ago, a breach in the once-impenetrable shroud of secrecy surrounding Queensland's cabinet documents sent ripples through the highest echelons of government. In 1993, during Wayne Goss's second term as premier, the state's information commissioner, responding to a Freedom of Information (FOI) application, opted to release details from a cabinet submission. Deeming about half of the material as factual, the commissioner's decision set off alarms within the Goss administration, fearing a precedent that could unravel the confidentiality of cabinet affairs.

The Goss government, having introduced the Freedom Of Information Act in 1992, had not envisioned such extensive disclosures of typically classified documents. Swiftly responding to the perceived threat, a cabinet meeting in October 1993 sanctioned amendments to FOI laws, intending to impose stricter limits on public access to sensitive cabinet information.

Decades later, these once-confidential cabinet papers, now unveiled, reveal the government's awareness of the controversial nature of their actions and anticipation of potential criticism. Queensland has since maintained exemptions for cabinet documents under Right to Information laws, withholding their release for 20 to 30 years.

However, change is on the horizon. The Miles government, three decades after Goss's measures, is poised for a significant overhaul. In response to recommendations from the 2022 Coaldrake report into the public service, the government aims to reduce the waiting period to a mere 30 days starting from this year. Despite the impending shift, personal information and security-sensitive material will still be safeguarded, remaining confidential for 20 years.

As Queensland prepares for this transformative step in transparency, Communities and Arts Minister Leeanne Enoch announced at a press conference that the new 30-day regime would be implemented in the first half of 2024. The specific documents subject to release under the revised laws are still under consideration, with State Archivist Louise Howard emphasizing that personal information and security-related content would maintain their confidentiality for two decades. This upcoming shift marks a significant evolution in Queensland's approach to transparency and public access to vital government information.

Amid the delicate dance between safeguarding personal information and upholding transparency, the Queensland government, led by Premier Wayne Goss in 1993, faced a pivotal moment in navigating the aftermath of the Mabo High Court decision. This landmark 1992 ruling shattered the concept of terra nullius, recognizing native title in Australia. Cabinet minutes from 1993 unveil Goss's substantial involvement in Queensland's response to Mabo, with multiple briefings to cabinet showcasing his dedication.

In June of that year, Goss updated the cabinet after participating in a meeting with Prime Minister Paul Keating and other state leaders to negotiate a national response. His submission emphasized the Queensland government's commitment to negotiating an outcome that protected Indigenous interests in land while ensuring certainty in land dealings subject to native title.

The cabinet, subsequently, approved "interim administrative procedures" for land dealings beyond June 30, tasking the cabinet office with implementing the state's Mabo response. Goss also presented an information paper to address community concerns about Mabo, aiming to dispel confusion and uncertainty. The delicate task, as described by Goss, involved setting out the facts relevant to the decision's implementation in Queensland.

Leeanne Enoch, now Queensland's Treaty Minister, reflected on the Goss government's efforts to strike a balance during the Mabo implementation. She drew parallels to contemporary discussions on a path to treaty, highlighting the ongoing endeavor to balance relationships. Enoch noted the intriguing conversations within the cabinet regarding the Mabo decision and native title, emphasizing the community's speculation on its implications.

As 1993 drew to a close, Goss's cabinet approved a state-based native title bill, swiftly passing through parliament to support the Commonwealth's native title laws. The treasurer during this critical period, Keith De Lacy, played a pivotal role in steering the economic aspects of the Goss government. The events of 1993 reflect a nuanced chapter in Queensland's history, where the government grappled with legal and social transformations while striving to maintain equilibrium in the face of evolving public sentiment and legislative imperatives.

Amidst the intricate tapestry of the Goss government's decisions in 1993, Treasurer Keith De Lacy emerged as a figure known for his contentious stance on managing ministerial spending. Historian and University of Queensland adjunct professor Ruth Kerr noted that, supported by the premier, the cabinet exhibited diligence in ensuring responsible fund management during De Lacy's tenure.

A notable cost-cutting measure championed by De Lacy involved freezing first-class flights for MPs exceeding three hours, a move expected to save taxpayers approximately $65,000 annually. Cabinet documents vividly outline the formal adoption of this proposal, reflecting the government's commitment to fiscal prudence.

The era also witnessed limitations placed on the use of mobile phones by MPs, responding to concerns raised by the parliamentary services commission. With 61 of the 89 MPs utilizing mobile phone services, projected costs loomed at $186,602 per year. The cabinet approved a proposal to cap call charges at $1,000 per year for each MP, illustrating a proactive approach to managing emerging technologies and associated expenses.

However, the Goss government's impact in 1993 extended beyond fiscal matters. Major reforms included the criminalization of stalking, driven by Attorney-General Dean Wells. Acknowledging concerns from women's groups about existing laws inadequately addressing domestic violence, the amendment aimed at pre-empting violence by criminalizing conduct causing fear in individuals, particularly women, targeted by stalkers.

In a display of diverse policy initiatives, the government directed millions towards the redevelopment of Lang Park, expanded unpaid parental leave in the public service to include men, allocated funds to combat a locust plague threatening crops, and modified trading hour laws to allow real estate agents to open on ANZAC Day, catering to tourists.

The decisions of the Goss government in 1993 underscore a multifaceted approach, combining fiscal responsibility with social and legislative reforms to address the evolving needs and challenges of the time.

In conclusion, the year 1993 stands as a pivotal chapter in the Goss government's history, marked by a dynamic interplay of fiscal prudence, technological adaptation, and sweeping legislative reforms. Treasurer Keith De Lacy's contentious approach to managing ministerial spending reflects the administration's commitment to responsible fund management, epitomized by cost-cutting measures such as freezing first-class flights for MPs and capping mobile phone call charges.

Beyond financial matters, the Goss government demonstrated a keen awareness of societal concerns, notably criminalizing stalking in response to a pressing need identified by Attorney-General Dean Wells. The government's multifaceted approach extended to major initiatives, including significant investments in Lang Park's redevelopment, expanding parental leave to include men in the public service, addressing agricultural threats like the locust plague, and accommodating tourist needs by modifying trading hour laws for real estate agents on ANZAC Day.

The decisions made in 1993 underscore the government's adaptability and responsiveness to the evolving landscape, both economically and socially. This historical snapshot showcases a balanced governance approach, blending fiscal responsibility with a commitment to legislative innovation, reflecting the Goss government's nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities of its time.