Advice to agencies about records relating to the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic is a significant event in world history. Records of the decisions made and the actions taken now will become a critical source of information for those responding to the current crisis, as well as those looking back on how we dealt with this unique situation.

As the Australian Government takes unprecedented steps to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, sound records management is more important than ever.

Decisions made by government to protect the health of Australians and to secure the country’s social, economic and cultural wellbeing have affected the daily lives of millions of people. It is essential that these decisions, and the basis for them, are recorded to ensure accountability, during and after the emergency, and for the benefit of future generations.

The National Archives has developed the following advice to support Australian Government agencies to appropriately manage the information they create in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Further advice

Australian Government agencies seeking advice and guidance in relation to specific COVID-19 related information management issues not covered here, are advised to contact the Agency Service Centre.