The National Archives of Australia was established in 1998. It was formerly known as the Australian Archives. The National Archives collects, preserves and makes publicly available records of the Australian government. The collection includes records related to family history research, as well as records relevant specifically to child welfare and child migration. The head office of the National Archives is located in Canberra, with smaller repositories and reading rooms in all state and territory capital cities.
Most records relating to the Northern Territory are held in the Darwin branch of the National Archives.
The National Archives collection comprises many files and documents related to the activities of the Government. However it also includes other types of records including film and sound recordiings, plans and posters, and many photographs.
Collections in the Archives can be searched on-line or by visiting one of the reading rooms. There is no charge for viewing records but different types of records are subject to different types of access conditions. The website of the National Archives provides further information about access.
Sources used to compile this entry: Australian Government, National Archives of Australia, National Archives of Australia, 2011, http://www.naa.gov.au/.
Prepared by: Karen George and Gary George
Created: 6 September 2011, Last modified: 28 January 2015