4 Agency records management

The Public Record Office Victoria's (PROV) records management standards set out how agencies must make and manage records, so they can be trusted as a true reflection of an agency's activities.

The standards cover all records in all formats, media and business systems, and consist of:

3 Support for agencies

The Public Record Office Victoria (PROV) is Victoria's primary authority on how to ensure that the evidence of government business is trustworthy—specifically, that it has integrity and is authentic, reliable and usable.

PROV is also responsible under the Public Records Act 1973 (the Act) for assisting agencies to meet the Act's requirements for effective records management programs.

2 Central oversight and support

A transparent and accountable government depends on the accessibility and reliability of its records. Effective records management requires a robust framework of legislation, centralised governance and oversight, monitoring, and disincentives for noncompliance.

There are four well‑documented barriers to achieving fully effective records management in Victoria:

1 Audit context

1.1 Victoria's records management environment

1.1.1 Victoria's Public Records Act 1973

The Public Records Act 1973 (the Act) is the foundation of Victoria's legislative framework for managing government information. The Act regulates how government records must be captured and managed.

Many of Victoria's other laws—such as freedom of information, privacy and even the Audit Act 1994—can operate effectively only when agencies comply with the Act and manage their records effectively.

Audit overview

Good records management is the foundation of government accountability. In Victoria, accountability is enshrined in the Public Administration Act 2004, which requires public servants to submit themselves to appropriate scrutiny. This typically includes scrutiny of the records they make or receive in the course of their duties. These records are known as 'public records'.

Well-managed public records enable governments to make informed decisions, to deliver services, and to demonstrate performance, transparency and accountability.

Managing Public Sector Records

Body
This audit examined whether selected agencies manage public records according to legislative requirements, and whether the Department of Premier and Cabinet and the Public Record Office Victoria are effectively assisting them to do this.

Appendix D. Rating definitions

Ratings for audit findings reflect our assessment of both the likelihood and consequence of each identified issue in terms of its impact on:

  • the effectiveness and efficiency of operations, including probity, propriety and compliance with applicable laws
  • the reliability, accuracy and timeliness of financial reporting.

The ratings also assist management to prioritise remedial action.

Figure D1

Rating definitions and management action