The Australian National Audit Office’s report, Recordkeeping including the Management of Electronic Records was tabled in Parliament yesterday, and recommends that the National Archives, in consultation with other agencies:

• Define minimum recordkeeping requirements that entities should comply with to meet legal and business requirements;
• Develop further practical guidance that can be used by entities when developing their own entity-specific recordkeeping material;
• Coordinate and periodically publish, details of the legislation, policies, standards, advice and guidance that impacts on entities’ recordkeeping responsibilities.

‘The National Archives has worked closely with the Audit Office to produce this report and it recognises the importance of recordkeeping to sound public administration and accountability,’ Mr Gibbs said.

‘The digital environment (especially) presents significant challenges for agencies’ recordkeeping. The Archives is currently defining minimum recordkeeping requirements and offers practical guidance to assist government agencies to implement sound recordkeeping practices.’

The National Archives publishes a large range of policies, standards, advice and guidance regarding the recordkeeping responsibilities of government entities on its website.