Former Labor premier John Cain has lashed the state government and opposition over a tit-for-tat war in parliament about releasing secret government documents.

Mr Cain criticised the secrecy surrounding many documents, including a confidential Grand Prix report, saying taxpayers had a right to know how their money was spent.

Former premier John Cain has criticised the secrecy surrounding many documents. Credit:Jason South

He also called for a review of what constituted "cabinet-in-confidence" with too many reports and contracts hidden from the public eye.

Mr Cain slammed both sides of politics for refusing to adequately reform freedom-of-information laws to give the public greater access to government documents.