Information about State Records Freedom of Information (FOI) General Awareness course during October and November 2008.FOI General Awareness Courses 2008
Details about Certificate III and Certificate IV in Recordkeeping in 2009 and the new alternative to traditional face-to-face delivery of studying via correspondence.Certificate III and IV in Recordkeeping in 2009
Publicising the Christmas and New Year opening hours for State Records City and Gepps Cross Research Centres.Christmas 2008 Research Centre Hours
State Records has recently updated the Adequate Records Management Standard and South Australian Recordkeeping Metadata Standard and created the Contracting and Official Records Standard.Across-Government Standards for Record Management
To promotes the availability of Freedom of Information (FOI) Induction Training as an on-line module via ERNI, State Records E-Resource Network Initiative.Freedom of Information (ERNI) Induction Training
Notifying agencies that May 2007 version of the guideline for agencies making public access determinations for official records which they control is now available.Public Access Determination Guideline for Agencies
The State Records of South Australia collection includes many records that can assist you with Aboriginal history research.
Records relating to Aboriginal people are important sources of historical information. People of Aboriginal descent can use the records to obtain information about family members they have been separated from because of past government policies. Records relating to Aboriginal people may also provide information for native title issues.
The Family History section of this site may also help you research Aboriginal history.
State Records is the archives of State and Local Government in South Australia. The State Records Act, 1997 requires State Records to store, preserve and provide access to government records of enduring evidential or informational value.
State Records is the custodian of records that have been identified as being of historical, social, or cultural value. They document the relationship between State and Local Government and the people of South Australia.
Most of the records that relate to Aboriginal people were created by the Aborigines Office, the Aborigines Department and the Department of Aboriginal Affairs. The government agency reference for these authorities is Government Record Group (GRG) 52.
You may also find information in records created by:
The Chief (formerly Colonial) Secretary's Office (GRG 24)
Lands Department (GRG 35)
Education Department (GRG 18)
Department of Correctional Services (GRG 54)
Police Department (GRG 5)
Government Resident of the Northern Territory (Series GRS 1 to GRS 17)
South Australian Museum (GRG 19 and GRG 46)
Public hospitals (various GRGs and GRSs).
What records can I access?
Under the State Records Act, 1997 it is the government agency that is responsible for a record that decides whether the public can view it. Many records will be described as unrestricted or open. Researchers can view these records at a State Records Research Centre.
Some records will not be open until a date in the future. Researchers may only view these records with the approval of the agency that is responsible for them.
Some records have been identified as containing information that is sacred or secret. These records may only be viewed according to conditions developed in consultation with members of the Aboriginal community.
Please note: Historical records may contain language that offends. Such language does not reflect the State Government's current attitude toward Aboriginal people.
The Aboriginal Access Team can assist you to undertake your research. The Aboriginal Access Team provides a research service and gives advice about seeking permission to view restricted records. They can be contacted in person (bookings advisable), by telephone, letter, email, fax, or through SA Link-Up.
Alternatively, visit a State Records Research Centre.
What if a record is not yet open for public access
To access a record that is not yet open for public access, you will need to get written approval from the agency responsible for the record. The Aboriginal Access Team can give advice about how to get approval.
Once the responsible agency has given approval, and State Records has sighted the letter of approval, records can be viewed at a State Records Research Centre.
If you are unable to visit a Research Centre, the Aboriginal Access Team can also assist via mail and email. This includes the photocopying and forwarding of information to researchers.
If a request for access to a record not yet open for public access, or the information contained in that record, is refused by the agency responsible, you have the right to make an application under the Freedom of Information Act, 1991 (FOI).
The Act allows you to access your own records and those of deceased direct family members. Direct family members include siblings, parents, grandparents and great grandparents.
The Aboriginal Access Team can help you to determine what records exist and what right of access you have to those records.
The Aboriginal Access Team can help Aboriginal people to do family history research. The team will discuss your research requirements with you and search indexes to help you to view personal information.
Other Government and non-government agencies in South Australia hold information relating to Aboriginal people. Follow the links below for further details.