Machinery of Government changes
Refer to our video about processes and protocols to follow after administrative change.
IPAA/NAA Machinery of Government changes (video)
Ensuring that the records follow business activities
Administrative change can lead to business activities and functions being transferred between agencies. The records relating to these business activities or functions should also be transferred. When change occurs:
- Records authorities that cover the transferred records can be used by the gaining agencies.
- In some cases, agencies can jointly control records.
- Websites that are about to be changed should be captured for transfer to the National Archives.
What happens to the records?
Records relating to the business being transferred should go to the agency that will be continuing the work.
If the records are maintained in electronic systems, the losing and gaining agencies must make formal arrangements regarding:
- access
- security
- compatibility
- servicing contracts
The following guidelines will assist agencies that are losing or gaining records. These guidelines apply to all records created as a result of business activities.
If your agency is losing business activities
Identify all records relating to the business being transferred and provide the gaining agency with:
- control records for series being transferred
- copies of transfer documentation for records in the custody of the National Archives or service providers
- copies of records authorities relating to the transferred records
- details of storage, maintenance or other charges relating to the transferred records
If your agency is gaining business activities
- Check received records are complete against the control records, indexes and other lists or information supplied.
- Retain the records in their original series. Inherited records should not be re-numbered into current or new series because the original context of the records will be changed.
- Confirm which records are held by the National Archives and service providers.
- Ensure relevant documentation, including information about charges, contracts and outstanding debts, has been received.
If records are needed by both agencies
If a series of records has some items in it controlled by one agency and other items controlled by another agency, you can:
- split the series so that each agency takes the items that it needs
- keep the series intact and formally arrange for one agency to hold the records on behalf of the other
- copy the records, with one agency holding the originals and the other taking the copies
Timeframe
A month after revised administrative arrangements orders are issued, agencies should have:
- completed any arrangements for transferring the control of records
- where necessary, transferred the records
Using records authorities
An agency gaining records will have a number of records authority (RA) options:
- Continue to use all or part of any previously issued RA gained from the losing agency.
- Consult with the National Archives about amending the gained RA if there are changes in the nature of the core business or the records management requirements.
- Consider whether the records are covered under an existing general records authority.
Further information
Contact the Agency Service Centre if you have any queries.
The Australian Public Service Commission has produced a publication, Implementing Machinery of Government Changes, to help agencies.