In July 2016, under the auspices of the Universities Australia Deputy Vice Chancellors (Research) Committee a working group was convened, chaired by Linda O'Brien, Council of Australian University Librarians, to develop a policy statement on access to research outputs. The working group met several times between July 2016 and October 2016. The Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable (F.A.I.R.) statement was developed following discussions at these meetings.

The statement was sent for consultation to a range of organisations, both within Australia and globally. The final statement reflects the feedback provided during that consultation process and further discussion among the working group.

This statement affirms the need to make Australia’s publicly funded research outputs F.A.I.R., recognising this will require different approaches across different types of research output, a long-term national commitment, and consideration of the global change agenda.