Archives sets standard for digital age
The National Archives of Australia has launched a new Information Management Standard for Departments and Agencies to observe when managing their growing business information obligations.
Director-General of the Archives, David Fricker said the standard was developed to assist Australian Public Service Agencies create and manage their business information effectively.
Mr Fricker said it outlined the principles for well-managed information within the Australian Government jurisdiction as well as the Archives’ expectations in terms of meeting the needs and expectations of business, Government and the community.
“Recent Government inquiries, including into the Home Insulation Program and Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, have highlighted the need to keep evidence of Government decisions and interactions, and the importance of this personal information to the individuals involved,” Mr Fricker said.
“The National Archives’ expectations for creation and management of Australian Government business information are clarified in the standard and embrace the opportunities offered by an increasingly digital Government environment.”
He said the standard set a firm foundation for Agencies so they could plan for, conduct and monitor their information management practices, and it also provided a basis for Agencies and the Archives to review their performance.
He said information could be created anywhere, anytime and through a variety of means including social media and email.
“With that in mind, this standard outlines the need for business information to be created, kept and managed appropriately, and to ensure key Government deliberations and decisions are documented to support robust advice, sound business process and open and accountable government,” Mr Fricker said.
The Standard says the National Archives will review how Agencies were performing against the standard as part of its regular survey and evaluation.
The new 16-page standard can be accessed at this PS News link.
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