Alexander Downer called Timor-Leste an ‘open book’ for Australia in 2000, tribunal hears

Former foreign affairs department officer says Downer made comment in private conversation years before bugging scandal

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Former foreign minister Alexander Downer privately boasted that Timor-Leste was an open book" to the Australian government in the year 2000, well before the infamous bugging scandal revealed by Witness K, a tribunal has heard.

The Administrative Appeals Tribunal is hearing an application by independent senator Rex Patrick, who is seeking the release of previously secret cabinet documents about Australia's dealings with Timor-Leste following its 1999 independence vote.

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