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  • Explore the collection
    • What's in the collection
    • Defence and war service records
    • First Australians
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    • Cabinet
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    • Prime ministers
    • Search for people
    • Visit our other websites
    • #ArchivesAtHome
    • Stories from the archives
  • Help with your research
    • Getting started
    • What's in the collection
    • Using the collection
    • International movement records
    • Research centres
    • Research guides
    • Research grants and scholarships
    • Research agents
    • Ask us about the collection
  • Students and teachers
    • Classroom resources
    • School visits
    • Teacher professional learning
    • Virtual excursions
    • Student research portal
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  • Information management
    • Getting started
    • Building trust in the public record
    • Public release schedule
    • Ask for advice
    • Information governance
    • Build data interoperability
    • Check-up survey
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that the National Archives' website and collection contain the names, images and voices of people who have died.

Some records include terms and views that are not appropriate today. They reflect the period in which they were created and are not the views of the National Archives.

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Who we are

We are the federal agency that collects records of Australian government decisions and actions as evidence. We do this to connect Australians with the nation's memory, their identity and history.

Learn more about our leaders, how we are structured and who we are accountable to.

  • Twenty four adults and eight children from USA arrive under Australia's enterpreneurial policy to establish a major jewellery manufacturing business in Perth, 1979.

    Leadership team

    Our leaders set our place as world leaders in the archival community. Meet our leadership team.
  • Arrivals and departures board, Brisbane airport, 1954.

    Accountability and reporting

    The National Archives of Australia reports to and is accountable to the Australian people. We commit to government transparency and accountability, as well as Australia's democratic process.
  • Twenty four adults and eight children from USA arrive under Australia's enterpreneurial policy to establish a major jewellery manufacturing business in Perth, 1979.

    Advisory Council

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  • Twenty four adults and eight children from USA arrive under Australia's enterpreneurial policy to establish a major jewellery manufacturing business in Perth, 1979.

    Organisational structure

    Our organisation has 5 branches: Access and Public Engagement, Collection Management, Corporate Services, Data and Digital and Transformation Office.

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Sporting Personalities - Fencing - Johanna, Rickie and Val Winter - Rome, 1960.

Tune Review of the National Archives of Australia

An independent review examining the purpose, role and functions of the National Archives and the level of resourcing it should receive.

Brighton Repository staff in front of shelving with records

Our history

Our history shows that today's data becomes tomorrow's cultural heritage.

Acknowledgement of Country

National Archives of Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country throughout Australia and acknowledges their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the people, their cultures and Elders past, present and emerging.

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