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Public Records Act 1973

Public Record Office Victoria (PROV) was established under the Public Records Act 1973. PROV's objectives outlined in the Act are to:

  • issue standards regulating the creation, maintenance and security of public records including the selection and disposal of public records not worthy of preservation
  • advise and assist agencies in achieving compliance with issued standards
  • preserve public records of permanent value as the state archives
  • ensure that the archives are accessible to the government and the people of Victoria.

More information about laws affecting government recordkeeping can be found on our Legislation topic page.

 

Regulations made and administered 

Regulations are made under section 23 of the Public Records Act 1973 and are known as the Public Records Regulations 2013. The regulations prescribe fees for making and supplying copies of public records and set out conditions for the inspection of public records and use of facilities provided by PROV.

 

The Public Records Advisory Council

The Act also established the Public Records Advisory Council (PRAC) to provide advice to PROV. PRAC also advises the Minister on administration of the Act and promotes cooperation between PROV and other government agencies.

Council members are appointed by PROV's responsible Minister, currently the Minister for Government Services, Gabrielle Williams MP. Council members bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to PROV.

 

PRAC President

Judy Maddigan contributes a wealth of experience within government having served as former Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. She also brings experience within the Galleries Libraries Archives and Museums sector having gained a Masters in Information and Library Services (Archives and Conservation). She is a former librarian and has a strong involvement in local history projects.

 

Council members

Historical Research (Academic)

Prof. Keir Reeves is the Council representative for historical research (academic history). He brings extensive experience in academic history to the Council. Prof. Reeves currently holds a chair in regional engagement at Federation University Australia. He is particularly interested in how regional development can drive sustainable communities. His current research concentrates on Australia, Asia and the Pacific in the areas of regional development, regional policy, and cultural heritage. Keir is the current historian member of the Heritage Council of Victoria. He is interested in postgraduate supervision, currently supervises in the areas of regional development, cultural industries, tourism development in Asia and goldfields history heritage and also supervises PhD projects affiliated with current Australian Research Council projects.
 

Public Administration

David Brous is the Principal of Impact Consulting Group. He is a specialist research consultant to the government and non-government sectors, concentrating on public policy analysis, program evaluation and strategic review. His capabilities cover the key areas of health, indigenous services, employment and training, community services, tourism, local government, primary industries, environment, justice, cultural and recreation services.
 

Finance and Business Administration 

Deidre Missingham is a lawyer and adviser experienced in strategy, policy, operations and project management having worked with organisations including Thomson Corporation, ASX, CPA Australia, Governance Institute of Australia and the Victorian public sector. Deidre is currently Principal at Privatus Consulting, specialising in privacy, information and governance.

 

Indigenous Heritage

Bonnie Chew is a proud Wadawurrung woman and the Director of Mirriyu Cultural Consulting. She brings to the Council extensive knowledge of Aboriginal cultural heritage management, reconciliation, incarceration, genealogy, health, education and mental health first aid. Bonnie also serves as a Council Member of the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council and an Indigenous Independent Prison Visitor.

 

Representative for Family History and Genealogy

Diane Gardiner

Diane Gardiner AM has extensive knowledge and understanding of the records held at the Public Record Office Victoria (PROV), and their enormous value to family historians and genealogists, having worked at PROV for over ten years. She worked as Manager, Community Access at PROV, and then held the position of General Manager Old Treasury Building until she retired. Diane has worked in the museum and heritage sectors for over 30 years gaining International and Australia wide experience and networks across the history and cultural sectors. Diane has held a number of executive roles in museum organisations as Chair of the History Council of Victoria and a board member at Her Place Women’s Museum Australia. She is currently Honorary President of the La Trobe Society. She has gained a number of awards and fellowships for her work in the History, Museums and Museum Education sectors. Diane has worked closely with the Genealogical Society and the family history branch of the State Library of Victoria and has a keen personal interest in the study of family history.
 

Historical Research (Public History)

This position is currently vacant. 
 

Information Management and Recordkeeping

This position is currently vacant. 
 

Representative for Local Government

This position is currently vacant. 

 

 

Material in the Public Record Office Victoria archival collection contains words and descriptions that reflect attitudes and government policies at different times which may be insensitive and upsetting

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples should be aware the collection and website may contain images, voices and names of deceased persons.

PROV provides advice to researchers wishing to access, publish or re-use records about Aboriginal Peoples