Advising the Minister and the Director-General

Group picture of Advisory Council
The National Archives of Australia Advisory Council, Brisbane, June 2008, with Director-General Ross Gibbs.

The National Archives of Australia Advisory Council was established under subsection 10(1) of the Archives Act 1983. Its principal function is to furnish advice to the Cabinet Secretary and the Director-General of the Archives on matters that relate to the functions of the Archives.

The Minister or the Director-General may refer matters relating to the functions of the Archives to the Council for advice, or the Council may offer advice of its own accord.

Membership

Current members

  • Mr Paul Santamaria S.C. (Chairman)
  • Mr Peter Grant
  • Senator Kate Lundy
  • The Hon Alex Somlyay MP
  • Mr Ian Hancock
  • Mr Roland Perry
  • Mr Aladin Rahemtula
  • Mr David Irvine AO
  • Dr Dianne Snowden
  • Associate Professor Dr Helen Irving
  • Professor John Williams
  • Dr Mickey Dewar
  • Professor Mick Dodson

Composition

The Archives Act provides for a Council consisting of:

  • a Senator chosen by the Senate
  • a member of the House of Representatives chosen by the House of Representatives
  • 11 other members appointed by the Minister