The bulk of the collection comprises papers relating to Dowse's work as a writer, including research material, correspondence, newspaper cuttings and drafts of her novels, reviews and short stories. There are papers relating to her work as head of the Office of Women's Affairs, papers relating to grant applications, and personal correspondence with family and friends. There are extensive files on West Block, Canberra tales, Schemetime and Silver city, and also on the National Women's Advisory Council, Australian Labor Party, and Australian National Word Festival.