The National Archives of Australia has announced the recent transfer of 82 Cabinet records from the year 2003, which took place between 31 December 2023 and 5 January 2024. This transfer, completed with the cooperation of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, enriches the National Archives’ collection with valuable documents, including 13 National Security Committee records closely related to the Iraq War and one additional record that briefly mentions the conflict.
These 14 prioritised records have undergone thorough examination in consultation with relevant agencies. The National Archives of Australia has concluded access decisions, making these documents available for public viewing online via RecordSearch. Out of these, 12 records are fully open, while 2 are categorised as Open with Exception (OWE), where certain information remains withheld for security reasons.
For family history researchers and genealogists, these records could be particularly useful as they provide insights into Australia’s political and social landscape during 2003. They offer a unique perspective on events such as the Iraq War and policies affecting the nation, which could be invaluable for tracing historical context or understanding the decisions that may have influenced ancestors’ lives.
In compliance with the Archives Act 1983, the National Archives is committed to making information as accessible as possible while adhering to legal obligations to protect national security and personal safety. Under the Act, exemptions apply to information that could jeopardise Australia’s security or endanger individuals. The specifics of these exemptions will be detailed in statements included within each record on RecordSearch.
The examination of the remaining 68 records, covering topics like aviation and maritime security, terrorism and counter-terrorism strategies, fuel excise, and foreign affairs, is ongoing. These documents will be made available online progressively over the coming months, contributing further to the wealth of information accessible through the National Archives.
These records, part of series A14371, are now listed for public access, marking a significant addition to the National Archives of Australia’s extensive repository of historical documents. Have a look below:
| Title | Control symbol | Item ID | Access status |
| Iraq: Australian contingency arrangements for possible military action | JH03/0001/P1 | 32712254 | OPEN |
| National Foreign Intelligence Assessment Priorities | JH03/0024/P1 | 202904983 | OWE |
| Iraq: Authority of Australian Defence Force Military Action | JH03/0124/P1 | 32711388 | OPEN |
| Iraq | JH03/0128/P1 | 32712486 | OPEN |
| Iraq: Phase IV – Australian Engagement in Post-Conflict Activities | JH03/0146/P1 | 202905000 | OPEN |
| Iraq Economic Reconstruction and Debt Issues | JH03/0203/P1 | 31472107 | OPEN |
| Iraq Update | JH03/0216/P1 | 31472113 | OPEN |
| Operation Catalyst | JH03/0242/P1 | 31472118 | OPEN |
| ADF Contribution to the Rehabilitation of Iraq – Financial Aspects | JH03/0269/P1 | 31472121 | OPEN |
| Iraq Update | JH03/0310/P1 | 31472126 | OPEN |
| Review of ADF Participation in Operation CATALYST AND SLIPPER | JH03/0368/P1 | 31472135 | OWE |
| Iraq Update | JH03/0385/P1 | 32712489 | OPEN |
| Lessons Arising from Operations Bastille and Falconer | JH03/0389/P1 | 31472138 | OPEN |
| Iraq Update | JH03/0443/P1 | 31472147 | OPEN |
Image Source:
- Photo by Brenton Pearce: instant images
