Missing cabinet documents on Iraq War to be released

Further previously secret cabinet documents on Australia's involvement in the Iraq War are set to be made public.

The National Archives of Australia will release 14 documents on Thursday from 2003, including National Security Committee records about war deliberations.

The extra documents were misplaced and not initially handed over to the National Archives in 2020 by the Morrison government, when the bulk of cabinet records from 2003 were transferred in line with protocols.

A review, launched in the wake of the missing documents, found while there was no political interference behind the misplaced files, administrative error and "internal systemic issues" were to blame.

The review found 82 cabinet records were not included when the documents were first handed over to the archives.

The misplaced files were then handed over between December 31, 2023 and January 5.

The review said COVID-19 restrictions such as lockdowns had impeded usual processes for dealing with the handover of documents.

"As a result of the office restrictions, a box of cabinet records was left in a secure storage area pending intelligence agency review and subsequently forgotten," it said.

"The review’s discovery of the additional cabinet records highlighted the complexities arising from relevant (department) officials not holding the requisite security clearances to enable staff to perform their duties with confidence and assurance."

While the National Archives said 14 documents would be made available to the public on Thursday, all to do with the Iraq War, the remaining 68 cabinet records were still being examined ahead of their release in coming months.

"These records relate to other matters, including aviation and maritime security, terrorism/counter terrorism, fuel excise and foreign affairs," the archives said in a statement.

Of the 14 new documents, 12 will be released in full, while two will have some information withheld.

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store