The Tasmanian government, under Premier Jeremy Rockliff, has announced a significant move towards improving transparency by committing to releasing cabinet documents after a period of 20 years. This initiative is part of a broader 'transparency agenda' following a comprehensive review of the state's Right to Information (RTI) system, which was published in September. The review highlighted a troubling culture of non-disclosure and obfuscation regarding information access in the state, prompting the government to take action.

The assessment, carried out by Rick Snell and Tim McCormack, revealed that the RTI system had several critical flaws, leading to a lack of accountability and transparency in government operations. In light of this, the government has expressed support for 32 out of the 43 recommendations made in the review, signaling a willingness to reform and modernize its approach to information access. These recommendations aim to create a more open government and enhance public trust.

Releasing cabinet documents after 20 years is a notable change that addresses long-standing concerns about the opaque nature of governance in Tasmania. This reform not only aligns with modern transparency expectations but also places Tasmania in a better position to uphold democratic principles, ensuring that citizens have the right to scrutinize government decisions and actions more effectively. As the government moves forward with these reforms, it will be crucial to monitor their implementation and the impact on the public's ability to access information.