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 [m]uch government publication takes place online, whether through downloadable documents or through websites more generally. With almost universal internet access in Australia, these publications are easily accessible without a mediating institution such as the Library. However, there are challenges for the long-term preservation of this material, which can disappear extremely rapidly and entirely, particularly in times of frequent changes to the machinery of government. Through collection of such material, the Library performs an essential role in preserving and ensuring enduring access to government information, whether electronic or hard copy.

The policy further states that “[p]riority material includes major policy initiatives, parliamentary publications and the output of public agencies with significant publishing responsibilities. . .”

In addition, it notes that “[t]he National Archives of Australia retains responsibility for preserving Commonwealth Government records. To ensure efficient and effective collecting activity in both institutions, the Library may collaborate with the archives where the institutions’ collecting responsibilities intersect.”

Requirements for depositing both print and digital material published in Australia with the National Library (i.e., legal deposit) are governed by the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth). However, Commonwealth, state, and territory government publications are excluded from the legislation. Instead, these are “also received by deposit under a variety of directives and circulars.” Government publications are deposited with the National Library and other participating libraries under the Commonwealth Library Deposit and Free Issues Schemes (LDS). Under the LDS, “[t]here is. . . a special requirement for publications tabled in Parliament. Agencies must supply copies of these publications to the participating libraries in print form, even if the document is also available electronically.” The Digital Transformation Agency is responsible for the LDS policy.

The National Library previously maintained GovPubs: The Australian Government Publications Guide, which remains available as a “key resource for locating selected types of government publications,” including legislation and explanatory memoranda, notice papers, Hansard,