Role overview
Records or Information Managers in Australia design, implement, and maintain comprehensive information governance frameworks within organisations. They ensure that authoritative information assets are properly created, stored, accessed, retained, and disposed of according to legal requirements and business needs. These professionals work across both physical and digital environments, developing systems that enable efficient information retrieval while maintaining security and compliance.
The role requires balancing technical system management with policy development and stakeholder engagement. In the Australian context, professionals must navigate specific legislation including privacy laws, freedom of information requirements, and various industry-specific retention regulations. This occupation is classified within the Professionals major group, reflecting the specialised knowledge and strategic thinking required for effective information governance.
Key tasks in practice
Records or Information Managers perform diverse functions to maintain organisational information integrity:
- Developing and implementing comprehensive records management policies and procedures tailored to organisational needs
- Controlling access to confidential information and establishing secure protocols for information handling
- Designing and maintaining cataloguing, coding, and classification systems for efficient information retrieval
- Analysing organisational recordkeeping requirements and translating them into practical management systems
- Managing central record systems and providing guidance on their effective use across the organisation
- Advising on compliance with Australian information-related legislation and standards
Skill level explanation
This occupation has a skill level of 1 in the OSCA classification, indicating it typically requires a bachelor degree or higher qualification. The skill level reflects the complex analytical and strategic capabilities needed to design information governance frameworks that meet both operational needs and regulatory requirements.
In practice, Australian employers often seek qualifications in information management, records management, or related fields, sometimes supplemented with specific certifications in recordkeeping systems or information governance standards. The skill level acknowledges the professional judgment required to balance competing priorities such as accessibility, security, and compliance within organisational contexts.
Industry context
Records or Information Managers work across diverse sectors in Australia, with significant employment in public administration, professional services, financial services, and insurance industries. These sectors typically handle substantial volumes of information subject to specific retention requirements and regulatory scrutiny.
The related ANZSIC industries for this occupation include public administration (5922), central government administration (7000), and various financial service activities (6961, 6962). The role is particularly critical in government agencies, financial institutions, healthcare organisations, and large corporations where proper information management supports compliance, decision-making, and operational efficiency.