Australia's Decision to Join Iraq War Based on 'Oral Reports', Cabinet Papers Reveal
Greens Demand Full Release of Related Documents, Criticize Lack of Parliamentary Vote on War Decisions
- Australia's decision to join the Iraq war in 2003 was based on 'oral reports' from then Prime Minister John Howard, with no formal cabinet submission outlining the risks.
- The Greens are demanding the full release of all national security committee and cabinet documents related to the 2003 decision.
- The Morrison government failed to hand over some national security-related cabinet documents from the time of the Iraq war to the National Archives of Australia for potential public release.
- The released cabinet papers reveal that there was no submission to cabinet on costs, benefits and implications of Australia’s entry into the war.
- The Greens are calling for a reform of war powers, requiring a parliamentary vote before committing Australia to future wars.
The Guardian 
