‘Vault Open’: Judge Rules National Cabinet Documents Not Confidential

Former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison (centre) together with State Premiers Annastacia Palaszczuk (left), Daniel Andrews and former leader Gladys Berejiklian address the media in the Main Committee Room at Parliament House, in Canberra, Australia, on December 11, 2020. Sam Mooy/Getty Images)

A judge has ruled that documents used by the intergovernmental national cabinet to make decisions around Australia’s COVID-19 response, are not subject to confidentiality.

Independent Senator Rex Patrick launched the legal battle after a failed Freedom of Information request to obtain documents outlining the minutes from national cabinet meetings.