Responsibilities for records management in the Australian Government are divided between the National Archives and agencies. The following is a breakdown of these responsibilities:

The National Archives:

• authorises the retention and destruction of Commonwealth records by issuing Records Authorities
• develops records management policies and standards for the Australian Government
• provides records management advice, guidance and training
• stores and protects the ‘national archives’

Agencies:

• create and maintain records of their business
• create agency specific information and records management policies and procedures
• establish clear lines of responsibility for records management
• work in consultation with the National Archives to develop Records Authorities
• ensure that staff are trained to carry out their records management responsibilities
• provide adequate resources for records management activities