The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet has accepted all recommendations for the department from the independent review into the 2020 transfer of 2003 Cabinet records to the National Archives of Australia (NAA).
Secretary Professor Glyn Davis AC appointed Mr Dennis Richardson AC to undertake the review on 1 January 2024. The final report was delivered to the Secretary and Director-General of the NAA, Mr Simon Froude, on 25 January 2024.
Mr Richardson found the incomplete transfer of 2003 Cabinet records to the NAA in 2020 was an administrative error, caused, in part, by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, but also by internal systemic issues.
The review confirmed all 2003 Cabinet records have now been transferred from the department to the NAA, and that there was no political interference or influence in the failure to transfer records in a timely manner.
Mr Richardson made five recommendations which address improving the archival processes for Cabinet records within the department; ensuring senior staff hold appropriate security clearances; and updating the NAA’s public release process.
The department has already begun implementation of recommendations, with a view to completing as soon as possible. An update will be provided by the end of June 2024.
The department is committed to addressing the issues identified by the review and improving processes to ensure all Cabinet records are transferred in future to the NAA in accordance with legislated timeframes.
The department acknowledges the transfer of Cabinet records, along with the NAA’s public release scheme, is critical to transparency and accountability of government decision-making.
The department thanks Mr Richardson for his findings. A copy of the report is available: Review of the transfer of the 2003 Cabinet records from PM&C to the National Archives of Australia.