Access to archived records

Open access depends on the record’s public status, legal restrictions, sensitivity and preservation needs.

Catalogue records show an access status: open, partially open, closed, restricted or description-only. A public catalogue description does not override the access decision for the underlying record.

Personal information, security-sensitive material, legally privileged information, active case material and other protected records may remain closed or restricted. Closure should have a recorded basis and review arrangement where appropriate.

Where a record can be released only in part, provide the open material and explain the restriction on the remainder where the applicable framework permits.