Records of information are at the core of Western Australian State organisations. Records are assets which allow the government to function effectively. They provide evidence of actions taken and decisions made by State organisations and allow the government to account for its actions. Good records management is a necessary element of good governance and integrity.
The State Records Act 2000 governs the record keeping for all State organisations in Western Australia.
Under the Act, a State record is defined as any record of information (in any form) created, received, or maintained by a government organisation or parliamentary department in the course of conducting its business activities.
State records may be in any format on which information can be stored, including paper, film, magnetic and optical media.
Record Keeping Plans capture key information about processes and systems used by State organisations to manage records of information. These plans also describe actions for the retention and eventual disposal or transfer of records to the State Archives.
Glossary
A Glossary of Terms used in the State Records Commission and State Records Office (SRO) publications is available for use.
Assistance
The SRO provides a consultative and advisory service to State organisations throughout Western Australia. It aims to assist with best practice records and information management and compliance with record keeping standards.
The Information Management Framework for WA Government helps State organisations to navigate the requirements for information management in Western Australia.
If organisations need specialist advice with any aspect of records management, please contact us at sro@sro.wa.gov.au.
Local Government
Local government organisations can also find information on the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety website under Local Government operational guidelines: a list of guidelines to help local governments. This includes information on the preparation of council agendas and minutes.
Privacy and Responsible Information Sharing Act 2024 and Record Keeping Obligations
The Privacy and Responsible Information Sharing Act 2024 (WA) (PRIS Act) received Royal Assent on 6 December 2024.
The FAQs may refer to some provisions of the PRIS Act that have not yet come into force.
Privacy and Responsible Information Sharing Act 2024 FAQs
Reporting Non-Compliance with the State Records Act 2000
If an individual or organisation appears to be keeping records in a way that does not comply with the State Records Act 2000, the matter can be reported to the SRO via Reporting matters of non-compliance with the State Records Act 2000
Reporting Damage to or Loss of State Records
State organisations can self-report to the SRO about any damage to or loss of physical or digital State records via Reporting Damage to or Loss of State Records.
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