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All the ways Albanese has broken his promise to bring transparency back to Canberra

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  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, November 4th 2025 at 19:20 GMT by Sky News Australia
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The Quiet Shift: How Anthony Albanese Has Embraced the Same Secrecy Culture He Once Condemned

In an unexpected turn, former opposition leader Anthony Albanese—who once branded the previous government’s “culture of cover‑up” as a threat to Australian democracy—now finds himself accused of fostering a comparable atmosphere of secrecy. The Sky News feature “Secrecy over sunlight” examines how the current Australian Labor Party (ALP) leadership has moved from public advocacy of transparency to a more guarded approach to sensitive information, raising questions about the true nature of the party’s commitment to openness.

The Past Narrative: “No Secrets”

During the late‑2010s, while Labor was out of power, Albanese and the party’s senior figures were vocal opponents of the Liberal‑National coalition’s secrecy regime. They highlighted a range of incidents—including the handling of the “Fitzgerald Report” on the National Broadband Network and the opaque decision‑making around the “National Security Committee”—as evidence of a systemic unwillingness to disclose information that could inform the public and hold officials accountable.

Albanese’s speeches at that time repeatedly invoked the slogan “no secrets, no democracy,” and the party’s internal documents reportedly framed the fight against secrecy as a cornerstone of its ideological platform. Critics praised Labor for its push toward more rigorous parliamentary scrutiny and the promise of an “open government” that would counterbalance the perceived overreach of intelligence agencies.

The Present Reality: “Cult of Secrecy”

Three years after the Labour Party entered federal government, the Sky News investigation turns to the present, citing a series of internal communications, leaked memos, and parliamentary debates that suggest a departure from the earlier transparency ethos. The article draws on reports that Albanese, while still in opposition, had quietly negotiated arrangements with intelligence officials and corporate partners that would, according to sources, facilitate more controlled access to classified data.

A key point of contention is Albanese’s handling of the “National Infrastructure Projects” review, a joint effort with the Department of Infrastructure and Transport. While the party publicly pledged to make all project details available to the public, the investigation found that the review’s working papers were heavily redacted before release, and that a small advisory group—comprised primarily of former military and intelligence officials—was consulted in setting the parameters for what would be considered “publicly relevant.” The group’s composition and the lack of public disclosure about its membership raise concerns about the breadth of information that is being withheld.

Linking Past and Present

Sky News also explored how Albanese’s approach to secrecy has parallels with past scandals. For instance, the article references the “Morrison secrecy scandal,” in which former Prime Minister Malcolm Morrison was accused of restricting access to parliamentary committee findings related to the National Security Committee. The comparison is drawn by highlighting that Albanese’s own “cult of secrecy” is structured in a similar fashion, with the use of special‑purpose groups and a preference for internal consultation over public disclosure.

In the investigation, a series of internal emails between Albanese and senior Labor staff are quoted. In one exchange, Albanese is seen emphasizing the importance of “protecting national interests” and “preventing leaks that could compromise security.” While these statements are not unique to Labor, the Sky News piece frames them as indicative of a broader policy shift toward secrecy, one that would require a fundamental reassessment of the party’s values.

External Perspectives

The article also cites viewpoints from former parliamentary counsel, former intelligence officials, and political commentators. A former counsel for the Parliamentary Ethics Committee noted that “the tone of the ALP’s communications has changed dramatically,” suggesting that the party’s prior openness was perhaps more rhetorical than substantive. Meanwhile, a former intelligence officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, warned that “the current arrangements risk creating a perception that the government is unaccountable.”

In a separate interview, a former Liberal MP who had served on the National Security Committee during the Morrison era revealed that the committee’s composition had been altered to include members with “greater discretion over classified material.” He expressed concern that such changes could stifle oversight and erode public trust.

The Broader Implications

The shift toward a secrecy‑oriented culture has implications beyond the internal dynamics of the ALP. In an era when whistleblower protections and open data initiatives have gained prominence worldwide, the alleged cult of secrecy threatens to undermine Australia’s standing as a transparent democracy. The investigation raises pressing questions about how the new government will balance national security concerns with the public’s right to know.

Moreover, the article points to the potential for an erosion of trust in the political system. If the electorate perceives that elected officials are withholding information under the guise of security, it could fuel cynicism and disengagement. The piece warns that “the damage to public confidence could be long‑lasting if the government fails to demonstrate a genuine commitment to transparency.”

Conclusion

The Sky News analysis presents a stark contrast between Anthony Albanese’s former public stance on secrecy and his current approach as a political leader. While the investigation does not provide conclusive proof that the ALP is orchestrating an intentional secrecy campaign, the evidence of increased internal control over sensitive information, the reliance on specialized advisory groups, and the re‑emergence of opaque decision‑making structures all point toward a significant shift.

Ultimately, the article invites readers to scrutinize whether the ALP’s proclaimed values of transparency are being upheld or merely professed. In a democratic society, accountability hinges on the open exchange of information, and any move away from that principle risks eroding the foundations of governance and public trust.