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Federal Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey is very pleased to see the Government bow down to pressure on the relocation of our National Archives from Adelaide to Brisbane.
“It is ludicrous to think local historians from this state would be expected to go to Brisbane to view our own state documents,” Mr Ramsey said.
“Local historians have contacted me about this concern and I have pushed the issue in parliament.
“Member for Mayo Jamie Briggs instigated a private members bill on this issue which I seconded and supported. I am pleased the Government has taken notice and this is a win for all South Australians.
“The Northern Territory, Tasmanian and South Australian records relating to immigration, war records and many other commonwealth matters were to be stored in Brisbane or Sydney in a cost cutting measure announced by the Rudd Labor Government, meaning local historians would have much difficulty in accessing information.
“For a Government who is has amassed a huge $150bn of borrowing and spending, it is ridiculous to cut a resource that would potentially save only $800,000.
“Under the government move, local historians were told they could nominate documents to be sourced for them out of the archives interstate and have electronic copies sent at a determined price.
“People would have to know specifically what they wanted, as each time they requested anything they would be paying a fee and we know historic research does not work like that.
“People wanting to view our state records would then have to travel to Brisbane to look at originals; these are mainly volunteers who give up an inordinate amount of time to research local history at their own cost and could ill afford the inconvenience and expense.”
Mr Ramsey said he was pleased the government had come to its senses and allowed our records to remain accessible to the people of this State.
Media Contact Leonie Lloyd-Smith (08) 8633 1744
February 23 2010
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