Public Record Office Victoria (PROV) is the archive of the State and local government of Victoria, holding over 100 km of records dating from 1836 to the present day. The collection includes records of immigration and shipping, criminal trials and prisons, royal commissions and boards of inquiry, health and welfare, wills and probates and much more.

Archives are central to good governance, and the tools by which governments can make themselves accountable and transparent. Archives enable human rights and the ability for government to explain and justify its actions. Good management also ensures more informed, efficient, and timely government.

PROV’s operations are supported by legislation and the Public Records Regulations 2013. These regulations have now been in place for nearly a decade. Our intention is to introduce measured changes that will make the new Regulations more modern, effective and fairer overall for Victorians. 

Technology has played a major role in transforming the way we do things, since the current regulations were enacted. Today, many of PROV's visitors rely on their personal devices to do research at the archives. And with improvements to our equipment and processes, PROV can now copy more records, more quickly.

PROV also recognises the increasing need to protect their IT and public resources from security threats or misuse, and the need to deter unacceptable conduct and to continue to provide a safe and productive environment for all visitors and our staff.

PROV's new Regulations are designed with these factors in mind and is now requesting public feedback on whether these changes are fair or reasonable? 

Feedback window closes 10 August 2023