Each year the State Records Office (SRO) marks the release of State Cabinet records from their 30 year restricted access period, on or near Western Australia’s Foundation Day.

Director of State Records Cathrin Cassarchis, said the 1978 State Cabinet records reveal the concerns of Sir Charles Court’s Government about various issues.

“This was the time of serious health concerns over the effects of asbestos on Wittenoon residents and was when the decision was made to close the town forever.

“This year also saw the expansion of Bauxite mining in the South West; plans for Uranium mining at Yeelirrie; and approval for drought relief and cloud seeding research,” said Ms Cassarchis.

In 1978 State Cabinet also approved late night shopping one night a week; public service dress reforms allowing public servants to wear shirts without ties; and plans for the 150th anniversary of British settlement in WA in 1979.

“However, Cabinet did not approve of Sunday football or moves to ban tinted windows on vehicles,” said Ms Cassarchis.

Internationally, 1978 was the year the first test tube baby was born and the first Polish Pope, John Paul II, was elected.

In Western Australia, 1978 was the year in which Cyclone Alby wreaked havoc in the South West and also the year commercial whaling ceased with the closure of the Albany whaling station in November.

Culture and the Arts Minister John Day said the release of Cabinet records is relevant to the broad Western Australian community as it demonstrates the democratic process and its openness.

“It also highlights the accountability of Government by revisiting social, economic and planning issues which can still be of critical importance to the community even though they occurred 30 years ago,” Mr Day said.

The State Records Office is responsible for identifying, managing, preserving and providing access to the State's archives, and delivering best practice records management services to State Government.

The 1978 State Cabinet records will be available for research in the SRO Search Room from Tuesday 2 June. An index and guide to the records is available online through the SRO website at www.sro.wa.gov.au