A $A22 million funding boost for the NSW State Records Authority announced as part of the 2014-15 Budget means that it will soon be easier for regional areas to access and view State records and archives online.

Minister for Finance and Services, Dominic Perrottet said “The funding will enable upgrades to key systems which provide access to existing digital content, improve online service delivery and enhance access to information about archives.”

“State’s archives are not only the cornerstone of open and accountable government, but they also protect citizens’ rights and document the history of the diverse and evolving community of NSW.”

The Western Sydney Records Centre in Kingswood, Sydney holds 600 linear kilometres of records and archives.

Director of State Records Authority of NSW, Geoff Hinchcliffe, also welcomed the announcement of a further four years funding for the Digital State Archives initiative, as it will allow an expansion of this innovative program which converts the State’s ‘born digital’ government records to permanent digital archives.

“The ability to accept and preserve the State’s born digital records as long-term State archive moves NSW into the forefront of the digital age,” Mr Hinchcliffe said.

State Records holds the largest collection of records relating to the history of the State of NSW and the lives of its people. These include files, photographs, maps, plans and volumes about convicts, Aboriginal people, land, agriculture, immigration, railways, courts, schools and hospitals.