Archives Act 1983
| Archives Act 1983 | |
|---|---|
| Parliament of Australia | |
| An Act relating to the preservation and use of archival resources, and for related purposes. | |
| Citation | No. 79 of 1983 |
| Date of royal assent | 3 November 1983 |
| Date commenced | By Proclamation (staged) |
| Administered by | Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts |
The Archives Act 1983 (Cth) sets the federal framework for custody, preservation and public access to Commonwealth government records. It establishes the National Archives of Australia, defines Commonwealth records and the open access period in which older records must be made available, subject to exemptions.[1]
Background and scope
The Act establishes the National Archives of Australia and an advisory council, sets functions and powers, and regulates transfer, disposal and alteration of Commonwealth records. It applies across the Commonwealth and its Territories and binds the Crown.[2]
Access regime
Most archival records enter the open access period after 20 years; Cabinet notebooks after 30 years; census information after 99 years. Access may be restricted where statutory exemptions apply, with reasons recorded and review mechanisms available.[3][4]
Administration and enforcement
The National Archives of Australia administers the Act, issues directions and guidance, receives transfers and manages public access. Merits review of certain access decisions lies with the federal merits review tribunal; as at 2025 this is the Administrative Review Tribunal (replacing the Administrative Appeals Tribunal).[5][6][7]
References
- ↑ "Archives Act 1983 (current and as made)". Federal Register of Legislation. Retrieved 19 October 2025.
- ↑ "Archives Act 1983 (table of provisions)". Federal Register of Legislation. Retrieved 19 October 2025.
- ↑ "Access to records under the Archives Act". National Archives of Australia. Retrieved 19 October 2025.
- ↑ "Archival records — access to records under the Archives Act 1983". Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Retrieved 19 October 2025.
- ↑ "Applications to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (s 43)". AustLII. Retrieved 19 October 2025.
- ↑ "Administrative Appeals Tribunal replaced by the Administrative Review Tribunal". Administrative Review Tribunal. Retrieved 19 October 2025.
- ↑ "Portfolio Budget Statements overview (National Archives)" (PDF). Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts. 2024. Retrieved 19 October 2025.
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