Transparency Victory: Defence Ordered to Release Shipbuilding Advice
The Information Commissioner has delivered a sharp rebuke to Australia’s Department of Defence over excessive secrecy surrounding the Naval Shipbuilding Expert Advisory Panel. This decision marks a significant victory for transparency, ensuring that the public gains insight into advice behind a nearly $200 billion shipbuilding program.
Costly Advice Hidden from Public Scrutiny
At the heart of the matter was advice provided by the Naval Shipbuilding Expert Advisory Panel, previously known as the Naval Shipbuilding Advisory Board. This panel was established to provide independent, expert advice on naval shipbuilding performance and emerging challenges. From 2016/17 to 2018/19, taxpayers paid about $6.4 million for this advice — averaging $2.1 million annually.
FOI Battle Challenges Defence Secrecy
In 2021, an FOI request was made to access this costly advice, justified by mounting concerns over the state of Defence shipbuilding. However, access was initially denied, with only trivial logistical details released. The refusal sparked a years-long appeal that finally resulted in the Information Commissioner ordering Defence to release additional material.
Defence Arguments Fall Flat
The Department of Defence argued that disclosure would damage its ability to receive frank and candid advice. It claimed that openness would deter experts from serving on advisory panels and would inhibit the quality of recommendations. However, the Information Commissioner found these arguments to be unsupported by evidence or reasoning.
Commissioner Dismisses Secrecy Claims
In its decision, the Commissioner stated: “The Department has not provided any evidence of substance to establish that disclosure would have this effect.” The claim that disclosure would deter participation on a board earning $2 million per year was also dismissed as baseless.
A Broader Problem with Defence Accountability
The ruling exposes broader issues with Defence procurement. Secrecy has long been a barrier to oversight, concealing poor management, waste, and even enabling corruption. The public deserves access to information about how vast sums are spent on national security projects. As the Commissioner’s ruling highlights, transparency strengthens accountability without compromising legitimate defence secrets.
Pressure Mounts on Political Leadership
The Defence procurement system will not improve until higher levels of government demand change. As it stands, Defence Minister Richard Marles has failed to drive reform, and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has yet to act. Until accountability is enforced, Defence spending will remain vulnerable to mismanagement and inefficiency.
FOI Decision a Win for Public Interest
This FOI win is a reminder that oversight matters. Australians deserve to know how their money is spent, particularly on projects critical to national security. The upcoming release of documents will shed light on what advice the Defence Minister received and whether it served the public interest.
