The Common Access Guidelines project responds to recommendation 1 of the wilam naling report, which called for a new access framework for records affecting Indigenous people. The project aims to address the needs of Victorian Aboriginal people to access personal, family and community information by working towards improved standards for access to records for Stolen Generations members.
The project’s framework is underpinned by a memorandum of understanding that aims to formalise best practice principles of records access across a number of agencies, and regulate processes for the release of information. The new framework proposes to incorporate all government and non-government agencies in Victoria that hold records related to Aboriginal cultural heritage and the removal of Aboriginal children from their families.
The framework seeks to streamline records access for the benefit of agencies as well as researchers. It will also improve services for Indigenous services providers, such as Bringing Them Home workers and family history and reunion service groups.
Connecting Home Ltd, which provides services for the Stolen Generations in Victoria, has committed to be the central agency for the project. It will be the central organisation through with the memorandum of understanding will be established and will provide an information and referral service for members of the Stolen Generations wishing to locate records.
The Koorie Records Unit has worked closely with Connecting Home and a working group from stakeholder agencies to develop a draft best practice memorandum of understanding based on the recommendations of the wilam naling report and the Bringing Them Home report – the 1997 national inquiry into the separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families.
Once implemented, the Common Access Guidelines service significantly improve records access standards – enabling Victorian Aboriginal people to more easily access records that can help them reunite with family, community and culture.
