This morning, while sipping my coffee, I read an article in the Vanuatu Daily Post that made me pause:
“Gov’t restriction on public access to Council of Ministers’ decisions threatens transparency, accountability: MAV.”
The Media Association of Vanuatu (MAV) expressed deep concern over the government’s recent move to make all decisions made by the Council of Ministers (COM) a secret from the public.
Yes, you read that right: COM decisions are now officially a secret in Vanuatu.
What Did MAV Say?
Charles Sumbe, MAV President, said it clearly:
“Transparency builds trust — secrecy breaks it.”
While acknowledging that some matters require confidentiality, MAV argues that not all COM decisions should be hidden, especially those that directly impact the lives of citizens.
MAV stated:
✅ The government’s move lacked consultation with stakeholders like the RTI Unit and the media.
✅ It threatens transparency, accountability, and the public’s right to information under the Vanuatu Constitution and the Right to Information (RTI) Act of 2016.
✅ It signals a concerning shift from the RTI Act’s original purpose: to protect freedom of expression and ensure public access to government decisions.
Quoting former UN Special Rapporteur Frank La Rue:
“The right to information is not only a fundamental human right but also a cornerstone of transparency and government accountability.”
MAV has called on the government to reconsider and consult with stakeholders before moving forward with this secrecy.
Do Other Countries Make Cabinet Decisions a Secret?
Like many other citizens, I wondered:
“Is it normal for a country to make all Cabinet decisions secret?”
Here’s what I found:
✅ Australia keeps Cabinet documents secret for 20 years, but releases factual materials and has guidelines for transparency.
✅ New Zealand can withhold Cabinet papers but often proactively releases summaries with a public interest test.
✅ United Kingdom protects Cabinet confidentiality but releases decisions after 20 years under the “20-year rule.”
✅ Canada excludes Cabinet decisions entirely under its Access to Information Act.
✅ Fiji has no FOI law, so Cabinet decisions are generally kept secret.
While many countries protect Cabinet confidentiality, they often balance it with proactive disclosure, clear criteria, and time limits to maintain accountability.
Why This Matters for Vanuatu
Vanuatu’s recent amendment creates a blanket secrecy rule over all COM decisions with no clear end, no public interest test, and no consultation with the media or civil society.
This is concerning because:
- COM decisions directly affect budgets, laws, community projects, and public services.
- Citizens deserve to know what decisions are being made in their name.
- Young people need transparency to build trust in their government.
Without transparency, accountability is weakened, and trust is lost.
A Call for Dialogue
Vanuatu has worked hard to build a transparent system that respects the people it serves.
We cannot afford to lose that trust.
I share this not to criticise but to encourage open dialogue, civic participation, and informed discussions on how we can protect confidentiality where needed while ensuring the transparency our democracy deserves.
What Do You Think?
- Should COM decisions remain secret?
- How can we protect sensitive government discussions while maintaining accountability?
- What would a fair, transparent system look like for Vanuatu?
Drop your thoughts below, share this post, or bring it up in your next community meeting.
Because at the end of the day:
Transparency builds trust. Secrecy breaks it.
Mattdotvu 
Leave a comment