This government document (2007) guides institutions and researchers in responsible research practices, endorsed by both national research funders: National Health and Medical Research Council and the Australian Research Council.

Significantly, it says that INSTITUTIONS MUST: "... have a policy on the retention of materials and research data; ... provide facilities for the safe and secure storage of research data and for maintaining records of where research data is stored; ... have a policy on the ownership of research materials and data during and following the research project; ... have a policy on the ownership of, and access to, databases and archives that is consistent with confidentiality requirements, legislation, privacy rules and other guidelines."