Royal Commission triggers changes to recordkeeping practices

Here at Public Record Office Victoria we are undertaking a range of actions to meet recommendations about recordkeeping  from the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse highlighted critical recordkeeping issues, with the Final Report stating: 

“Inadequate records and recordkeeping have contributed to delays in or failures to identify and respond to risks and incidents of child sexual abuse and have exacerbated distress and trauma for many survivors.” 

In consultation with Department of Education and Training and Department of Health and Human Services we have developed a guideline to assist Victorian public sector agencies on how to create, manage and retain records of child sexual abuse. 

The guidance document outlines in detail the type of records that agencies should be keeping which may be needed in case of future allegations. 

All government agencies can find a summary of the advice document on the topic page about the Royal Commission's recommendations or click on the image below.

In addition to  this initial guidance for the Victorian Government, we are also working with the National Archives of Australia and other state and territory public record authorities to develop more detailed guidance for all organisations, both government and non-government, which interact with children.

We have also commenced a review of existing relevant Retention and Disposal Authorities to ensure appropriate minimum retention periods are set. In addition, a General Disposal Authority for records relating to child sexual abuse that has occurred or is alleged to have occurred is planned.