Last modified on Tue 9 Mar 2021 04.57 EST
The Morrison government’s claim that national cabinet deliberations are exempt from freedom of information laws will be challenged in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, setting up a test over the new body’s immunity from scrutiny.
The Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) will file a case with the tribunal as it seeks to access information on at least 15 environmental approvals “fast-tracked” by the federal environment minister, Sussan Ley, a task so far stymied by the government’s insistence the documents fall under traditional cabinet rules.
The prime minister, Scott Morrison, has insisted national cabinet deliberations are treated the same as those in the federal cabinet, which are kept confidential and not subject to freedom of information legislation.
What we learned today, Friday 5 March
And, breathe. That was quite a day to end an extraordinary week. Hereâs a quick summary of everything that went down today:
The defence minister,
Brittany Higgins for her âlying cowâ comment.
Italy blocked a shipment of 250,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccine to Australia, but the Australian government insists it will not disrupt its vaccination program.
Scott Morrison announces a significant expansion of Covid-19 quarantine facilities at Howard Springs in the Northern Territory.
The prime minister also said he would âwelcomeâ an inquest into the death of a woman who accused
Christian Porter of rape, should the South Australian coroner rule it is necessary.