Video | WikiLeaks under investigation in Australia

The attorney-general, Robert McClelland, claimed however he was not aware of any requests from the United States to cancel WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange's Australian passport.

However, a range of options were under consideration by Australian government agencies in response to the latest disclosure of classified US material, he said.

McClelland told reporters there are "potentially a number of criminal laws" that could have been breached.

Defense Minister Stephen Smith later said that a cross-government committee was studying the documents to ascertain what damage could be done by their release.

"We need to take it ... step by step, but our starting and endpoint is essentially protecting Australia's national interest," Smith said in during an interview.

"This is an act which again one has no option but to absolutely condemn it. It potentially puts national security interests and it puts the safety and welfare of individuals at stake."

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard last week condemned the planned leaks as reckless and potentially harmful to national security interests.

Smith said the US ambassador had told the Australian government and relevant ministers about the leaks ahead of their release.