SA: Govt to lift the lid on cabinet decisions

AAP General News (Australia)
08-12-2009
SA: Govt to lift the lid on cabinet decisions

ADELAIDE, Aug 12 AAP - The South Australian government has decided to lift the lid
on cabinet discussions from the 1990s with changes to secrecy laws.

The state will fall into line with Queensland in releasing all cabinet discussions
and papers after 10 years.

"I do not know of any other jurisdiction in the world that makes cabinet documents
available sooner," Premier Mike Rann said.

"This is really about making sure people can see the decision-making process on big
issues, important issues from just 10 years ago.

"I think that's a good thing."

Under current rules in South Australia, cabinet papers remain secret for 20 years while
a 30-year rule applies at the federal level.

The new rules will come into effect in SA from October 1 to allow time to set up processes
for dealing with inquiries.

No special legislation is required, merely a decision by state cabinet.

The changes will make some key cabinet papers from the 1990s available later this year
including those related to the 1991 collapse and bailout of the old State Bank and the
privatisation of state assets, including electricity and water supplies.

If the Labor government is returned at the state election in March next year, it will
also make papers from its first term available for release while it is still in office.

Mr Rann said he had no problem with that.

"I might come down and start handing them out myself," he said.

"I'm very comfortable about the decisions we've made."

AAP tjd/ldj

KEYWORD: DOCUMENTS UPDATE

2009 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.