Arts, sport & collectionsAgency
Australian Archives
1974 – 1998
Previously Commonwealth Archives Office (1961–1974). Renamed National Archives of Australia in 1998.
The Commonwealth's archival authority, keeping and providing access to Commonwealth government records and setting standards for their management.
Names over time
- Archives Division, Commonwealth National Library1952–1961
- Commonwealth Archives Office1961–1974
- Australian Archives1974–1998
- National Archives of Australia1998–present
How it came into existence
Formed in 1974 when the Commonwealth Archives Office was renamed Australian Archives; it was given a statutory charter by the Archives Act 1983.
Legislation: Archives Act 1983
Changes during its life
- 6 June 1984The Archives Act 1983 came into force, giving Australian Archives a statutory basis and creating a public right of access to records.
How it ended
Renamed the National Archives of Australia in 1998.
Main functions
- custody of Commonwealth government records
- records disposal authorisation
- public access to records under the open access period
- records management advice to agencies
- repositories in Canberra and each state capital
Where it sits
Last in the portfolio of Department of Communications and the Arts.
Lineage
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Sources
Government records and websites
Some dates or links for this organisation are not fully confirmed. Corrections are welcome.