Commonwealth Library Deposit and Free Issue Schemes

The Commonwealth Library Deposit and Free Issue Scheme ensures Commonwealth Government publications are freely available to the public.

These schemes require agencies to provide free public access to all digital and print government publications through participating libraries, including national, state and territory libraries.

The Digital Transformation Agency (DTA) administrates these schemes.

Requirements for Commonwealth Government agencies

Agencies must allow public access to copies of their digital and print publications for free.

Digital and print publications

To meet national obligations, agencies must:  

• publish a digital version on their website
• deposit a digital version with the National Library of Australia, through the National edeposit (NED) service
• provide a printed copy to the State Library of New South Wales.

Agencies must provide a print copy of their publications to the State Library of NSW, even if they're available digitally via NED. This is a legislative requirement.

Print only publications

To meet national obligations, agencies must:  

• provide all participating libraries with a copy of their print publications.

Agencies cannot distribute embargoed publications until after the release date. 

Once agencies have met these requirements, they may charge for remaining print copies. 

Participating Libraries

As of Wednesday 20 September 2023, there are 8 libraries participating in the Commonwealth Library Deposit Scheme. Universities may opt in or out of the Free Issues Scheme at any time, to do so please contact us.

Mailing list for participating libraries

Deposit Scheme Libraries

NATIONAL LIBRARY OF AUSTRALIA

Government Deposit Unit
Parkes Place
CANBERRA ACT  2600

NORTHERN TERRITORY LIBRARY

Serials Supervisor
GPO Box 42
DARWIN NT  0801

STATE LIBRARY OF NSW

Government Publications Level 2
State Library of New South Wales
1 Shakespeare Place
SYDNEY NSW  2000

STATE LIBRARY OF QUEENSLAND

Govt Publications Officer
Acquisitions Branch
PO BOX 3488
SOUTH BRISBANE QLD  4101

STATE LIBRARY OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Govt Publications Librarian
GPO BOX 419
ADELAIDE SA  5001

STATE LIBRARY OF TASMANIA

Serials Section
91 Murray Street
HOBART TAS 7000

STATE LIBRARY OF VICTORIA

Govt Publications Officer
328 Swanston Street
MELBOURNE VIC 3000

STATE LIBRARY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Serials Section
Alexander Library Building
Perth Cultural Centre
PERTH WA 6000

Free Issues Scheme Libraries

There are currently no university libraries participating in the Free Issues Scheme.