New routine disclosure begins later this year
The Tasmanian Government will soon begin publishing Cabinet decisions to provide greater transparency about government decision-making.
High-level summaries of Cabinet decisions will be routinely published following Cabinet's consideration of matters, unless an approved exemption applies.
The publishing of Cabinet decisions is designed to improve public understanding of government priorities and decisions, while maintaining the confidentiality necessary for the effective operation of Cabinet.
Decision summaries will be published by the end of the month following a final Cabinet decision and will include an overview of the decision and its intended outcomes or impacts for Tasmanians.
Routine disclosures will apply from 1 September 2026, with the first Cabinet decisions scheduled for publication by the end of October 2026.
Further information and exemptions will be outlined in the updated Cabinet Handbook.
Contact
Cabinet and Executive Council Office
Phone: 6185 6088
Email: Cabinet.Office@dpac.tas.gov.au
What is Cabinet?
Cabinet is the central decision-making body of the Tasmanian Government. It is a forum where the Premier and ministers meet to discuss and decide on issues of importance to the state and it sets the government’s policy and strategic direction.
For further information see the Cabinet Handbook (PDF 532.1KB).
What is Cabinet confidentiality?
The confidentiality of Cabinet’s deliberations is a fundamental principle of the Westminster system of government.
What is the routine disclosure of Cabinet decisions?
The approach is policy-based and designed to provide a practical framework to increase transparency while preserving the principles that underpin the effective operations of government.
It will include a monthly publication of high-level summaries of final Cabinet decisions, unless an exemption applies.
Why have routine disclosure of Cabinet decisions?
The routine disclosure of final Cabinet decisions will provide greater transparency around government decision-making.
What will be published?
High-level summaries of final decisions made by Cabinet will be published. Cabinet decision summaries will be published in batches by the end of the month following a final decision of Cabinet, unless a reasonable exemption applies.
Where a decision requires an event or milestone to be met before disclosure, the timing of the release will be taken into consideration (such as an item has been tabled in the Tasmanian Parliament).
What are the exemptions?
The exemption categories are:
- security, law enforcement and public safety
- legal proceedings and legal professional privilege
- commercial interests
- financial interests of the state
- intergovernmental relations
- Executive Council
- personal information
- oversight and integrity processes.
When do the disclosures begin?
The disclosure of Cabinet decisions will apply from 1 September 2026, with the first publication at the end of October 2026.
How frequent will the disclosures be?
The disclosures will be published monthly.
