Government CIOs are facing a September 30 deadline to report to the National Archives of Australia on their transition to digital records management, the first of three annual reports due before 2014 when the Minister for Privacy and Freedom of Information may step in to hurry the process along.

All agencies have been asked to respond to a 16 part questionnaire, examining issues such as to what extent they discourage the creation and use of paper records, and how comprehensive is its information and records management framework.

Following the first round of submissions, the  National Archives is planning to release a 'digital continuity plan' in December 2011 “providing practical guidance to agencies on the management of digital information for as long as it is needed.”

Stephen Ellis, Acting Director-General, National Archives of Australia, said, “The Government’s new Digital Transition Policy requires all Commonwealth agencies to be more technologically savvy in managing their information and records to achieve the significant business benefits and efficiencies that this offers.

“Today, nearly all Australian Government business is done digitally, but in many agencies records management has lagged behind.

“The reliance on paper records is no longer sustainable as it is disconnected from business processes and technologies ranging from email and spreadsheets through to geospatial data, dynamic websites and SMS feeds.

“Also, effective digital information management is a critical enabler for broader government reforms such as FOI, the information publication scheme, pro-disclosure and open government.”

The Australian Government Information Management Office will collect details of agencies’ current and proposed records management systems, to ensure compliance with its prohibition against customised or bespoke systems introduced from July 2011.

There is information on the NAA website here http://www.naa.gov.au/records-management/IM-framework/a-new-gov-policy/i...