A welcome to the new NFSA from the Chair

Today, the NFSA has reached an important milestone in its history becoming an independent statutory authority. I feel immensely proud to be given the opportunity to lead the Board of the NFSA over the next three years at this time of great challenge and opportunity.

I would like to thank the NFSA Steering Committee, chaired by Maureen Barron which had carriage of the transition process. I am very pleased with the effective and professional way in which the demerger was handled and the Committee and staff are to be congratulated for readying the organisation for its new role as a statutory body.

I am grateful to the Minister for his commitment to ensuring that enabling legislation for the NFSA received priority early in 2008 and I am pleased that the passage of legislation through Parliament received bipartisan support. The Minister has emphasised that the legislation has given “the NFSA a strong mandate, a clear and coherent philosophy reflecting its cultural role and importance in the archiving profession, autonomy in its own affairs consistent with other national collecting institutions, and greater accountability and transparency.”  Our new legislation also requires us to give highest priority to enhancing levels of access to our wonderful collection.  We are delighted with this great opportunity.  The Board and staff of the NFSA will be working hard to ensure it delivers on Government public expectations.
 
There are a number of important issues facing the NFSA Board over the short to medium term including: long term conservation facilities to house the national audiovisual collection; legal deposit for audiovisual works; and, taking full advantage of the Government’s commitment to build digital infrastructure and provide increased access to cultural endeavour.

The NFSA now takes its proper place among the other wonderful national collecting institutions and we look forward to close cooperation with all our colleagues.

I look forward to working with the Board, CEO, staff and stakeholders of the NFSA to ensure the NFSA develops a high public profile with strong access and outreach programs so that as many Australians as possible can enjoy the treasures that the national audiovisual collection has to offer, as well as being able to enjoy access to the finest programs from around the world.

1 July 2008
Prof Chris Puplick AM
Chair