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 National Archives of Australia, delivering reference, description and research services, examination for the release of Commonwealth records under the Archives Act 1983, exhibition, education and public programs, print and digital publishing, marketing, partnerships and events at national and state offices onsite 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 reviewing Australian Government archival records for continuing sensitivities prior to their public release under the Archives Act 1983 (the Act), including the identification of material that is exempt from public access under s 33 of the Act. The section manages related examination appeal processes including internal reconsiderations and appeals to the Administrative Review Tribunal.  The section develops policies and procedures for the assessment of continuing sensitivities in Commonwealth records and works with Australian Government agencies to ensure best-practice record referral arrangements, which supports decision making on the public release of records. The section’s work facilitates other business areas within National Archives including reference services, exhibitions, promotion and visitor engagement activities.

The Access Examination section is seeking to fill a non-ongoing Senior Access Examiner role in Canberra for a period of 6 months with the possibility of extension for a further 6 months. A merit list will be created which may be used to fill ongoing positions.

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

• Undertake informed decision-making on the release of Australian government archival records in accordance with the Archives Act 1983 (the Act).
• Apply research and analytical skills to decision making and the ongoing development and review of procedures and guidelines that support decision making under the Act.
• Work successfully as a contributing member of a small team towards a common goal.
• Evaluate and identify risks, provide high level advice to resolve or mitigate problems.
• Develop and maintain effective, professional relationships with relevant internal and external stakeholders including government agencies and private companies.
• Demonstrate and maintain a well-developed broad understanding of Australian and global history, politics and culture.
• Promote and apply the APS and National Archives values and contemporary people management principles and practices in equity and diversity, WHS and participative management practices.
• Promote and apply the National Archives’ Vision, Mission and Commitments as expressed in Strategy 2025–2030: Evolving National Archives and Our Values

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 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 (1000 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