National Archives Offices in Darwin, Adelaide and Hobart given a reprieve.
On Tuesday 23 February 2010, it was announced that these three National Archives Offices will be retained, not at their present location, but co-located in their state of origin. We will be interested in the final outcome.
Part of the media release:
“Australia’s National Archives play a vital role in keeping the political, social and cultural history of Australia alive,” the Minister with responsibility for the National Archives, Senator Ludwig, said.
“The Rudd Government has listened to community concerns, and the National Archives will maintain a local presence in each state and territory.
Just before Christmas last year, it was revealed that the Northern Territory Archives Service was to be re-located to become part of the Northern Territory Library Service. Will National Archives also be housed by the Northern Territory Library Service?
When the Adelaide office was re-located after the NAA property there was sold, 90% of South Australian records were divided up, and sent out of the State. HQ Inc believes these records should now be returned to their state of origin.
National Archives Australia Brisbane Office
In order to meet budget cuts, NAA needs to save $1.4 million each year from now until 2013.
The Brisbane Office current lease expires in 2013. At this stage, its holdings are too large to be relocated to another NAA repository.
NAA hopes to meet some of these costs by increasing digitisation of the most popular records. While this is good news for those who are unable to visit the Brisbane office, concerns have been expressed that the level of face-to-face service may not be maintained if there is a reduction in the number of experienced staff.
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