AGPS Closure and the Transition to AusInfo
The landscape of government publishing underwent a significant transformation in the late 1990s. For years, the Australian Government Publishing Service (AGPS) served as the central hub for official documentation, but a strategic shift in operations led to the dismantling of its production capabilities.
The 1997 Closure and Privatization
In 1997, the production facilities of the AGPS, which included the Commonwealth Government Printing Office, were officially closed. This move marked a transition from state-run production to private sector efficiency. The business assets and facilities were sold to CanPrint Communications Pty Ltd.
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Decentralization of Government Publishing
Following the sale of the production facilities, the Australian government moved away from a centralized printing model. The responsibility for printing, publishing, and distribution was transferred directly to each individual government department or agency. This meant that agencies became autonomous in managing their own documentation needs rather than relying on a single central office.
The Emergence of AusInfo
While production was privatized, certain administrative and oversight functions remained. These remaining responsibilities were absorbed by AusInfo, the successor organization to the AGPS. AusInfo operated as part of the newly established Department of Finance and Administration.
For those researching the history of these services, the AusInfo website has been preserved through a webpage snapshot available via Trove, the national digital archive.
Key Facts
- Closure Date: 1997
- Sold To: CanPrint Communications Pty Ltd
- Facility Closed: Commonwealth Government Printing Office
- Successor Entity: AusInfo
- Parent Department: Department of Finance and Administration
- Archive Source: Trove
| Feature | Pre-1997 (AGPS) | Post-1997 Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Production Facilities | Commonwealth Government Printing Office | CanPrint Communications Pty Ltd |
| Publishing Responsibility | Centralized via AGPS | Individual Government Departments |
| Administrative Oversight | AGPS | AusInfo (Dept. of Finance and Administration) |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the AGPS production facilities close?
The production facilities, including the Commonwealth Government Printing Office, were closed in 1997.
Who purchased the AGPS business?
The business was sold to CanPrint Communications Pty Ltd.
How was government printing handled after the sale?
Printing, publishing, and distribution became the responsibility of each individual government agency or department.
What happened to the remaining functions of the AGPS?
The remaining functions were taken over by AusInfo, which was part of the Department of Finance and Administration.
Where can I find information about the former AusInfo website?
The AusInfo website has been archived and can be accessed via a webpage snapshot on Trove.