Introduction
The Digital Continuity 2020 Policy is available in full below, and you can download a copy in PDF or Word format. For a broader introduction read our introduction to the Digital Continuity Policy.
Purpose
The Digital Continuity 2020 Policy plays a key role in supporting the Australian Government's digital transformation initiatives and driving e-government. Agencies that understand and fully realise the benefits of their assets – information, technology, people and processes – will deliver better and more efficient services to Australians.
The Digital Continuity 2020 Policy enables the integration of information governance principles and practices into the work of agencies and their governance arrangements to:
- optimise the delivery of government programs and services;
- enable information reuse for economic and social benefits; and
- protect the rights and entitlements of Australians
The policy promotes a consistent approach to information governance across the Australian Government and within individual agencies. It applies to government information, data and records, as well as systems, services and processes, including those created or delivered by third parties on behalf of Australian Government agencies.
The Digital Continuity 2020 policy is aligned with the work of the Digital Transformation Office and builds on the foundations of previously issued transition policies. The National Archives is responsible for leading the implementation of the Digital Continuity 2020 policy.
Authority
Under the Archives Act 1983, the National Archives has the authority to issue standards for Commonwealth records, and to preserve and make accessible the archival resources of the Commonwealth.
Under the Act, 'Commonwealth records' cover all information in digital and non-digital formats that is created, used or received as part of government business.
The Digital Continuity 2020 Policy identifies digital information management principles and practices recommended for non-corporate and corporate Commonwealth entities, and wholly owned companies including government business enterprises. These are collectively referred to as 'agencies'.
The National Archives will report annually to government on the status of digital information management in agencies and make recommendations for further enhancements.
Policy statement
Agencies will manage their information as an asset, ensuring that it is created and managed for as long as required, taking into account business and other needs and risks.
Agencies will transition to entirely digital work processes, meaning business processes including authorisations and approvals are completed digitally, and that information is created and managed in digital format.
Agencies will have interoperable information, systems and processes that meet standards for short and long-term management, improve information quality and enable information to be found, managed, shared and re-used easily and efficiently.