The National Archives has released a new Whole of Government information management policy aimed at managing data for the Government and community.
The Archives’ Building Trust in the Public Record identifies key requirements, with supporting actions, for continuous improvement in how the Australian Government manages its records, information and data.
Director-General of the National Archives, David Fricker said that as the lead Government authority on records and information management, the Archives had developed a policy that supported Agencies to meet their obligations under the Archives Act 1983.
“Also, and most importantly, to produce records that can be trusted and relied upon by current and future generations,” Mr Fricker said.
“The policy maintains a strong emphasis on governance, fit-for-purpose information management systems and practices, and reducing information management inefficiency and risk.”
He said the objectives were critical to ensuring public resources were managed effectively, improving service delivery and customer service outcomes, and enabling evidentiary and accountability obligations to be met.
“The policy also supports other Australian Government agendas including digital transformation, Australian Public Service reform, and maximising the use of Australian Government data,” Mr Fricker said.
He said Building Trust in the Public Record would come into effect on 1 January 2021 and remain in place until 2025.
“It will replace and build on the achievements of the current information management policy, Digital Continuity 2020 which ends on 31 December 2020,” Mr Fricker said.
“To assist Agencies to implement the policy, the National Archives will progressively release a range of practical tools and supporting advice throughout the policy period.”
