Mr. Krsticevic raises concerns about inaccessible State Archives held within government agencies, hindering public access to legally entitled information. The Minister acknowledges the issue and outlines steps being taken to address it, including preparing a business case for funding.

AnsweredQoN 3399Legislative Assembly
Asked
28 June 2018
Portfolio
Culture and the Arts

QuestionView source ↗

I refer to the accumulation of State Archives within government agencies, meaning that vital information is inaccessible outside of agencies and the public are denied access to information to which there is a legal right, and ask: (a) are you aware of this issue; (b) what is being done to rectify this situation; (c) what additional funding has been allocated to address this issue and if none, when will funds be allocated; and (d) how many the denial of legal access to State Archives be justified?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
14 August 2018
Responded by
Minister for Culture and the Arts
Response time
1 days
(a) I am aware that the State Records Office has been unable to accept transfers of State Archives from government agencies since 2001 owing to lack of archival storage space and infrastructure. I am also aware that the Barnett Government rejected a business case to address this issue in 2011.
(b) The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries is preparing a business case to address this issue.
(c) Funding required is being identified through the business case process.
(d) Any member of the public may request access to State Archives currently held within government agencies by applying to the custodial agency directly in accordance with existing legislation.

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