Between 31 December 2023 and 5 January 2024, 82 additional Cabinet records from 2003 were transferred from the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet to National Archives of Australia.
Of these records, 13 are National Security Committee records that relate directly to the Iraq War. One additional record briefly refers to the Iraq War.
These 14 records have been examined as a priority in consultation with relevant agencies. National Archives has now finalised access decisions and the records will be available to view online via RecordSearch from Thursday 14 March.
Of the 14 records, 12 are Open and 2 are Open with Exception (OWE), meaning some information has been withheld.
Under the Archives Act 1983, National Archives is required to release as much information as possible. However, under the Act, certain information is exempt from public access. National Archives is legally bound to withhold information that could impact upon Australia’s security or put any person in danger.
Section 33 of the Archives Act lists the reasons why a record, or part of a record, may be withheld from public release. Statements explaining the specific reasons for exemptions will be included within the individual records on RecordSearch.
The remaining 68 records are currently being examined and will be progressively made available online over the coming months. These records relate to other matters, including aviation and maritime security, terrorism/counter terrorism, fuel excise and foreign affairs.
Records being released on Thursday 14 March belong to series A14371 and are listed below.
| Title | Control symbol | Item ID | Access status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iraq: Australian contingency arrangements for possible military action | JH03/0001/P1 | 32712254 | OPEN |
| National Foreign Intelligence Assessment Priorities | JH03/0024/P1 | 202904983 | OWE |
| Iraq: Authority of Australian Defence Force Military Action | JH03/0124/P1 | 32711388 | OPEN |
| Iraq | JH03/0128/P1 | 32712486 | OPEN |
| Iraq: Phase IV - Australian Engagement in Post-Conflict Activities | JH03/0146/P1 | 202905000 | OPEN |
| Iraq Economic Reconstruction and Debt Issues | JH03/0203/P1 | 31472107 | OPEN |
| Iraq Update | JH03/0216/P1 | 31472113 | OPEN |
| Operation Catalyst | JH03/0242/P1 | 31472118 | OPEN |
| ADF Contribution to the Rehabilitation of Iraq - Financial Aspects | JH03/0269/P1 | 31472121 | OPEN |
| Iraq Update | JH03/0310/P1 | 31472126 | OPEN |
| Review of ADF Participation in Operation CATALYST AND SLIPPER | JH03/0368/P1 | 31472135 | OWE |
| Iraq Update | JH03/0385/P1 | 32712489 | OPEN |
| Lessons Arising from Operations Bastille and Falconer | JH03/0389/P1 | 31472138 | OPEN |
| Iraq Update | JH03/0443/P1 | 31472147 | OPEN |
For more information:
Contact information
National Archives of Australia Media Team
Phone: 0417 247 157
Email: media@naa.gov.au