Ever wondered how long your information needs to be retained?

Until very recently, the answer could be very different depending on which WA University you work in. WA Universities must by law dispose of records in accordance with an approved disposal authority. However, each University used a separate authority, often describing different retention periods for the same types of information.

Now, thanks to the WA University‐Sector Disposal Authority (WAUSDA), the legal retention period for all University records is consistent across the state. How long to keep information on topics as diverse as research results, examination papers, corporate protocols, signage and even cadaver management are specified within the pages of the WAUSDA.

The Authority was produced by a working party led by our own Michelle Lillico and has earned a formal commendaƟon from the State Records Commission as well as the Records and Information Management Association of Australasia’s Linden Award for best group project 2012.