Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Families and Social Services) Share this | Hansard source

Australia has a longstanding principle of cabinet confidentiality. This is essential to the effective operation of Australia's executive government. Cabinet confidentiality is a foundation principle of the Westminster system dating back to the 1600s. The disclosure of cabinet documents, as required by this motion, would fundamentally undermine this foundation principle. Cabinet documents will continue to be released in the agreed-upon manner prescribed under the Archives Act 1983.