Richard Colbeck (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you, Deputy President. It is a longstanding view of governments of both persuasions that the deliberations of cabinet should remain confidential because disclosure may impact the government's ability to receive confidential information and, hence, make appropriate and informed decisions for the Australian community. This is especially so when the responsibility of protecting the health and welfare of the Australian people during a pandemic is at stake. As stated in the second interim report, the relatively few disagreements between this committee and the government regarding a small number of public interest immunity claims should be viewed in light of these facts and the committee's busy workload.