The National Archives of Australia has released federal cabinet papers from 2003, outlining decisions and discussions by former prime minister John Howard and his ministers.
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* John Howard briefed cabinet the day before the US-led invasion of Iraq, with warnings weapons of mass destruction in Iraq were a "real and unacceptable risk" to Australia
* Cabinet sought legal advice to enter the conflict, but most discussions on the war remain secret
* An emissions trading system was proposed to cabinet but eventually voted against after an address by Mr Howard, with industry leaders opposed to the scheme
* Cabinet agreed to the restructure of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission, paving the way for its abolition
* Plans were put in place for a $640 million assistance scheme for victims of HIH Insurance after the company's collapse
* Quarantine arrangements were made at some airports as the government was made aware of three possible cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), the predecessor to the COVID-19 virus that would shut down the world two decades later
* Concerns were raised about instability in the South Pacific, Papua New Guinea and East Timor
* Plans for a purpose-built detention facility on Christmas Island were scaled back, while there were worries a lack of federal government aid to Nauru could hinder operations of Australia's regional processing centre there
* Increased security measures, including around the clock air patrols, were agreed for a visit to Canberra by US President George Bush
* Briefings were held on Australian citizen David Hicks, who was detained at Guantanamo Bay
* Financial assistance was agreed to for victims of the 2002 Bali bombings, while also endorsing options for a memorial
* The prime minister briefed cabinet on the resignation of Governor-General Peter Hollingworth
* Legislation listing Hamas as a terrorist organisation was approved, as was a listing for the terrorist wing of Hizballah
* Cabinet noted security would be beefed up ahead of Australia hosting the Rugby World Cup
* Financial assistance was offered to football's governing body, then known as Soccer Australia, due to fears it would enter administration
* As Melbourne geared up to host the 2006 Commonwealth Games, cabinet agreed to provide security services and work with Victoria to support tourism
* Cabinet agreed to sign a treaty with East Timor over two petroleum fields in the Timor Sea
* An agreement was struck with the Australian Submarine Corporation extending support for Collins class submarines for at least 15 years, after construction of the vessels finished in 2003
Australian Associated Press
