Departmental files, 1956-61

Component identifier:

Series 15

Content Summary:

Osborne maintained a series of departmental correspondence files, most spanning the period of his terms as a federal minister. The bulk of the correspondence relates to constituency representations. As a federal member and minister, Osborne made extensive representations on behalf of his constituents regarding a variety of matters. These include representations to the Prime Minister's Department regarding letters of introduction, and to Social Services, Health, Immigration, Labour and National Service, Trade, Treasury, War Service Homes, Customs and Excise, Primary Industry, and the Postmaster-General. Other correspondence regarding constituency representations is contained in series 14. As well, there is some overlap on the departmental correspondence files contained in series 19, files maintained by Osborne as Minister for Repatriation. These consist of representations made by Osborne before he became Minister for Repatriation and to him as Minister.

The correspondence and representations relate to a wide range of issues including the Army and Air Force Cadet Corps, reorganisation of the services, National Service Training, the Commonwealth Employment Service, civil appointments of military staff, the Commonwealth Navigation Act, repatriation pensions and benefits, the Federal Crimes Act, the Matrimonial Causes Bill, supply of government contracts, recommendations for honours, the National Capital Development Commission, and Papua New Guinea. Correspondence relating to these subjects is also contained in series 12.

The correspondence with External Affairs documents Osborne's long-term interest in foreign affairs and association with the Department. These files include correspondence, representations, and departmental intelligence reports and dispatches. They cover such subjects as the United Nations, SEATO, Osborne's visits to Papua New Guinea, Malaya, and Ghana, and contact with foreign dignitaries and politicians. There are also arrangements for dinners given by Osborne, as Minister assisting the Minister for External Affairs, to honour visiting dignitaries such as Pote Sarasin, Lakshami Menon, and General Otto Weyland.

The major correspondents include Sir Shane Paltridge, Harold Holt, William McMahon, Sir Walter Cooper, Sir Denham Henty, Sir William Spooner, Sir Garfield Barwick, Sir Gordon Freeth, Sir Allen Fairhall, Harrie Wade, Sir John Cramer, Lord Casey, Sir Philip McBride, Sir Neil O'Sullivan, Sir Arthur Fadden, Sir John McEwen, Athol Townley, Sir Alexander Downer, Dr Donald Cameron, Hugh Robertson and Sir Charles Davidson.

Immediate source of acquisition:

Frederick Osborne presented the first instalment of his papers to the Library in 1973, and a second instalment was received from him in 1995.

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