Under the Archives Act 1983, Commonwealth records can be accessed by the public once they enter the open access period unless they contain exempt information.

Sometimes, we refuse access to information that is in the open access period. You'll find legal information about our reasons in the Archives Act.

The National Archives of Australia is committed to providing an accessible website that is compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.0.

To support interoperability your agency should consider making its data and data formats open.

The Archives Act allows certain categories of researchers to apply for special access to Commonwealth records not publicly available.

Official access is normally granted by agencies to enable their officers to use records held by the National Archives in one of our research centres.

Information for agencies, researchers and individuals wanting to access archival records.

This is a colour aerial photograph taken on the opening day of Parliament House, in 1988.

The Archives Act 1983 governs access to Commonwealth archival records. Here's everything you need to know about accessing records under the Act.

You can submit an access application using RecordSearch for a record that is 'Not yet examined' or 'Closed'.

This colour photograph shows crowds at the opening of the Sydney Opera House.

Personal letter to Peter Heydon, Department of Immigration, regarding the negative consequences of periodically screening migrant applicants.

Official letter to Peter Heydon, Department of Immigration, regarding the negative consequences of periodically screening migrant applicants.

This is a black-and-white photograph of the opening ceremony of old Parliament House, taken in 1927.

A recent project has allowed National Archives to access and work towards preserving the contents of 30-year-old floppy disks.

National Archives is steadfast in its commitment to fostering access and inclusion.

If we refuse access to records under the Archives Act 1983, we will give you our reasons in writing. If you do not agree, you may apply for a review.

Recent amendments to the Archives Act 1983 facilitate more efficient and equitable access to records for all applicants.

A photograph depicting the ceremony of the opening of the Commonwealth Parliament.

The Duke and Duchess of York at the opening of the provisional Parliament House (now Old Parliament House), Canberra, on 9 May 1927.