Key legislation for managing information
Archives Act 1983
The Archives Act 1983 empowers the National Archives of Australia to preserve the archival resources of the Commonwealth - those records designated 'national archives'. Under the Act it is illegal to destroy Commonwealth records without the permission of the Archives unless destruction is specified in another piece of legislation. The Act also establishes the right of public access to Commonwealth records that are more than 30 years old.
http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Series/C2004A02796
Copyright Act 1968
An Act relating to copyright and the protection of certain performances, and for other purposes.
http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Series/C2004A07378
Crimes Act 1914
The Crimes Act 1914 is an Act relating to offences against the Commonwealth.
http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Series/C2004A07391
Electronic Transactions Act 1999
The Electronic Transactions Act 1999 is an Act to facilitate electronic transactions, and for other purposes. The Act encourages online business by ensuring that electronic evidence of transactions is not invalidated because of its format.
http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Series/C2004A00553
Evidence Act 1995
An Act about the law of evidence, and for related purposes.
http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Series/C2004A04858
Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997
An Act to provide for the proper use and management of public money, public property and other Commonwealth resources, and for related purposes. The Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997 (FMA Act) states that an APS employee who misapplies, improperly disposes of, or improperly uses Commonwealth records may be in breach of the Act.
http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Series/C2004A05251
Freedom of Information Act 1982
The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act provides for public access to documents, which are less than 30 years old, kept by Australian Government departments.
http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Series/C2004A02562
Privacy Act 1988
An Act to make provision to protect the privacy of individuals, and for related purposes.
http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Series/C2004A03712
