Australia launches inquiry into why Cabinet documents relating to Iraq war remain secret

Published January 2, 2024 7:06 PM

By ROD McGUIRK
Associated Press

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has ordered an inquiry into why 20-year-old Cabinet documents relating to Australia joining the United States-led Iraq invasion remain secret, saying Australians have a right to know why their country went to war in 2003. On Monday, the National Archives of Australia released 2003 Cabinet records in keeping with an annual Jan. 1 practice following the expiration of a 20-year secrecy provision. But 78 documents relating to the Iraq war were withheld. Albanese is blaming the former conservative government of Prime Minister Scott Morrison for failing to follow the usual practice of handing over all documents to the archive three years before their release date.

Article Topic Follows: AP National

Jump to comments ↓

Associated Press

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

KIFI Local News 8 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.