Domestically, Howard was facing an Australia divided over the Iraq war, with news of human rights abuses by US soldiers abroad further fuelling anti-war protests.

In 2004, Prime Minister John Howard was re-elected, and swimmer Ian Thorpe won four Olympic medals for Australia, including two gold. Source: AAP / Tracey Nearmy

Howard spoke to SBS News, reflecting on the major moments and decisions of 2004, ahead of the National Archives of Australia (NAA) releasing 242 previously sealed secret cabinet documents on Wednesday.

Iraq invasion and weapons of mass destruction

Howard defended his decision to commit troops to Iraq, despite the justification for joining forces with the US to invade Iraq evaporating.

“And it was disappointing, but, and it was a setback, and it allowed enemies of our decision to renew their attack. But that’s how it goes.”

“It was damaging, because as a society, we don’t approve and we don’t support, we oppose very strongly the humiliation of prisoners in our custody in the long term,” Howard said.

East Timor bugging scandal

“There is no mention that I have seen from these papers about that issue,” he said.

Howard-Latham handshake

During the 2004 election campaign against Labor’s wildcard Mark Latham, a somewhat iconic photo was captured of Latham trying to intimidate Howard.

Former prime minister John Howard (pictured with his back towards the camera) and then-Opposition leader Mark Latham shake hands as they cross paths at the ABC studios during the 2004 election campaign trail. Source: AAP / Mick Tsikas

“It might have affected some people, but I was ready for it, because he tried that sort of stunt before, and I don’t think the fact that he was physically bigger than me mattered one bit,” Howard said.

Changes to the Marriage Act

“The way to fix it was to get in first, to lay down the definition, and the definition we put in reflected the view of the government at the time.”

The Marriage Act was amended to allow same-sex marriage in 2017.

Disbanding ATSIC

The decision to disband ATSIC came against the backdrop of the Redfern riots in Sydney, with people protesting the treatment of First Australians following the death of 17-year-old Indigenous teen Thomas Hickey.

“I don’t think the solution to Aboriginal Affairs lies in creating institutions and gesture politics. I think you have to bridge the gap in a practical way.”