Public Records Bill 2023
Bill Story
The journey of this bill through Parliament, including debate and recorded votes.
Referred to Community Support and Services Committee
As Minister and bill sponsor, explained the bill modernises Queensland's public records legislation to address digital transformation since the original 2002 act. Emphasised the establishment of the First Nations Advisory Group and strengthened independence of the State Archivist.
“This bill sets a precedence for modern records management and is needed to address the changes that have occurred during the last two decades.”— 2023-11-29View Hansard
Plain English Summary
Overview
This bill replaces Queensland's 20-year-old public records law to bring it into the digital age. It modernises how government records are defined, managed, and accessed, while formally recognising the importance of public records for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and creating new advisory bodies to ensure their interests are considered.
Who it affects
Government agencies and local councils must follow new standards for managing digital records. The public benefits from clearer rules about accessing historical records. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities gain formal recognition of their unique relationship with government records.
Key changes
- Updates the definition of public records to include digital formats like emails, databases, metadata and decision-making algorithms
- Creates a First Nations Advisory Group and ensures Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation on the Public Records Review Committee
- Sets clear restricted access periods (30 to 100 years) based on record sensitivity, with records open by default after that time
- Extends the prosecution period for unlawfully destroying records from one year to three years
- Requires the State Archivist to report annually on compliance issues and Ministerial directions