SAMPLE LETTER

Below is an example of a letter I have sent off to my local ALP federal member. I would recommend that list users consider doing the same. Please feel free to use any of my text, or improve upon it. I will also be contacting other members of the parliament, including the Senate.

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Sharon Bird

Federal Member for Cunningham

13 November 2009

Dear Sharon

It has come to my attention that your government is closing the Darwin, Adelaide and Hobart offices of the National Archives of Australia.

http://www.cpsu.org.au/agency/news/15754.html

I would ask that you request the Minister responsible, Senator Ludwig, to put an immediate freeze on these closures. It is vital that all Australians have access to the collections of the NAA. The closure of these offices will severely impact upon such access.

The closure of the Darwin office, in particular, will impact upon Indigenous Australians seeking to use the Archives collections.

These offices must remain open, regardless of the issue of internet access.

The process of accessing and using archival material is a complex one - I know, I am a professional archivist and researcher.

Trained archival staff are needed on hand to assist with this. They are also required to source material and ensure that aspects of the historic record of our nation are preserved and made accessible.

I look forward to your support in this matter.