Who we are

National Archives of Australia (National Archives) provides leadership in the best practice management of the official record of the Commonwealth and ensures that Australian Government information of enduring significance is secured, preserved and available to government agencies, researchers and the community.

Our vision: National Archives is committed to being a world-leading archive and strives to strengthen Australia's cultural identity and democracy by connecting people with the evidence of Australian Government activities and decisions.

National Archives endeavour to meet the future needs of government and expectations of the Australian public in our rapidly changing digital environment. Underpinning the transformative strategies to enable, secure, connect and innovate is a drive for comprehensive digital capability and service delivery. National Archives is committed to:

• innovation
• collaboration
• inclusion

National Archives is also committed to developing the capability and expertise of our staff, we offer a Studies Assistance Program that supports staff to achieve individual goals as well as increasing their capacity to help achieve National Archives’ strategic objectives. Our Health and Wellbeing Program encourages and supports a healthier workplace and healthy lifestyle choices for all employees.

About the role

The Access and Public Engagement Branch is the public face of the National Archives of Australia, delivering reference, description and research services, examination for the release of records in the open period, exhibition, education and public programs, publishing (including digital publishing), marketing, partnerships and events on site at national and state offices, and online. All programs and activities support the key National Archives’ role of providing an accessible, visible and interpreted national archival collection.

The Access Examination section facilitates access to the national archival collection by assessing records for any continuing sensitivities prior to their public release under the Archives Act 1983, including the identification of material that is exempt from public access. The section develops policies and procedures for the assessment of continuing sensitivities in records and manages the process across National Archives. Access Examination manages internal reconsiderations and appeals to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) for decisions made under the Archives Act along with arrangements with Australian Government (Commonwealth) agencies to ensure best-practice and sound referral arrangements. The section facilitates the work of other business areas within National Archives by releasing records for research, exhibitions, promotion and other visitor engagement activities.

Under general direction the main duties of the role are to:

• Provide administrative support to the Access Examination section, including ordering, returning and maintaining control of archival records, and managing safe hand delivery and pick-up of records.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of work group procedures and guidelines.
• Contribute ideas to solve problems, including opportunities to improve the efficiencies of business processes.
• Represent the National Archives by liaising, building rapport and maintaining relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and actively engage in knowledge transfer and seek input from others to achieve business outcomes.
• Apply the principles of APS Values, Code of Conduct, workplace diversity, work health and safety and participative management within a work and team environment.
• Apply the National Archives’ Vision, Mission and Commitments as expressed in Strategy 2025–2030: Evolving National Archives and Our Values.

Highly desirable

• Able to undertake manual work e.g. lifting up to 10kg, pushing trolleys.
• Has a current car licence.

Are you eligible?

To be eligible for the role you must be an Australian citizen. If you are selected, you will be required to successfully undergo a pre-employment check and be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at a Negative Vetting Level 2 clearance level.

How to apply

You need to apply through our e-recruitment system.

Your application will need to include:

• the names and contact details of at least two referees, one of whom should be a current supervisor.
• your current resume.
• statement (500 words maximum), describing how your skills, knowledge, and experience/qualifications would enable you to perform the duties of the role taking into account the “Performance Expectations” at the relevant classification and National Archives’ Vision, Mission and Commitments as expressed in Strategy 2025–2030: Evolving National Archives and Our Values.

RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information see: https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability