Senator Joe Ludwig |
Damian Hale MP |
Hon Gerry McCarthy MLA |
24/2010
13 April 2010
Cabinet Secretary, Senator Joe Ludwig, has today announced an in-principle agreement with the Northern Territory Government to co-locate the National Archives office in Darwin.
Senator Ludwig met with Federal Member for Solomon, Damian Hale, and Northern Territory Minister for Arts and Museums, Gerry McCarthy, to discuss options for co-location in Darwin.
In February, the Rudd Government announced the National Archives of Australia will maintain a physical presence in every state and territory.
“The National Archives play an important role in the Northern Territory, particularly in providing members of the Stolen Generations with important information about their history, Senator Ludwig said.
“Today I’ve been talking with Mr McCarthy about possible options to co-locate the Darwin archives office with a state institution.”
“The Northern Territory Government will now work with the National Archives to work out the remaining details for a Memorandum of Understanding.”
“During my visit I have also been speaking with National Archives staff, the Aboriginal Advisory Group, members of the Stolen Generations and the Larrakia Nation, who have petitioned the Government on this important issue.”
Mr Hale praised the Territory Government and interested stakeholders who have been strong advocates of preserving the National Archives in Darwin.
“The Archives provide a vital service to Territorians and anyone familiar with the history of North Australia would understand the importance of this institution to our community,” Mr Hale said.
“I would like to thank the many researchers, academics, teachers and school students who made representations to me, and Senator Joe Ludwig for listening and delivering.”
Mr McCarthy said today’s discussions were very positive and built on close negotiations between the Territory and Federal Governments to maintain face-to-face services in Darwin.
“I thank Senator Ludwig for meeting with me and Damian Hale in Darwin today so that we can work towards a final decision in the near future,” Mr McCarthy said.
“Territorians feel passionately about their unique and cultural heritage and maintaining a physical presence in Darwin will help Territorians celebrate our heritage well into the future.”
| Media Contacts: | Website: |
|---|---|
| Senator Ludwig's Office - Sarah Cosson - 0423 823 843 | www.cabinetsecretary.gov.au www.smos.gov.au |
| Amy Davis (Hale) - 0409 453 938 or (08) 8981 3434 | |
| Edwin Edlund (McCarthy) - 0401 119 563 |