Public Service record keeping is to be the subject of a review with the goal of modernising and upgrading processes so it becomes more strengthened and more relevant to today’s community.
Announced by the Minister for Digital Economy, Leeanne Enoch, the review is to be led by retired Supreme Court Judge John Byrne who will look at potential improvements that could be made to the Public Records Act 2002, with the Terms of Reference released last Friday (27 May).
According to Ms Enoch, the Public Records Act that was adopted in 2002 does not take into account the digital advancements of the past 20 years and does not adequately represent all Queenslanders.
“The Act predates the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples 2007 so does not recognise the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples nor does it provide any special provisions for First Nations communities,” Ms Enoch said.
She said the review will highlight a commitment to integrity and governance in the Queensland public sector.
She said she hoped Justice Byrne will create a new and more comprehensive and inclusive Public Records Act which will enable efficient recordkeeping in the digital environment and will include First Nations perspectives.
Ms Enoch said the review is to be supported by a panel of experts in information management, digital technology, archival practices, records related to First Nations peoples and heritage aspects of public records.
“Making sure our legislation is up to date will give Queenslanders’ confidence in robust public record keeping practices,” Ms Enoch said.
Justice Byrne welcomed the opportunity to review the Public Records Act saying it was a wonderful opportunity to make sure the Act dealt with the challenges of a modern Queensland and that it reflected community expectations.”
The Terms of Reference for the review can be accessed at this PS News link.
