In response to the establishment of the Royal Commission, the National Archives issued a records retention notice on 27 November 2018 to 22 targeted agencies. The notice suspends National Archives' permissions for the destruction of records that may be required by the Royal Commission and any consequent Government action. It will remain in force until otherwise advised by the National Archives.

Relevant records and any associated drafts and working papers cannot be destroyed using any agency-specific or general records authorities or through a normal administrative practice (NAP). General Records Authority 31 may be used to destroy digitised source records if the Royal Commission requires the production of records in digital format.

Further information including the list of targeted agencies is available in the Records Retention Notice: Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety (pdf, 115kB).

All Australian Government agencies are required by law to protect any relevant records subject to this notice from destruction.