Dear Tasmanian Archive and Heritage Office,

I am writing to formally request access to and the complete public release of all archival materials held by your office pertaining to the Port Arthur Massacre. This request follows my separate communication to the Tasmanian Government Information Strategy Unit (GISU) advocating for the declassification and public release of these crucial historical records.

I understand that the Tasmanian Archive and Heritage Office is the custodian of significant historical documents related to events of public importance within the state. Given the profound national impact and enduring public interest in the Port Arthur Massacre, I believe the complete collection of related documents within your holdings should be made fully accessible to the public.

The initial decision to seal these documents for 30 years, and the subsequent extension to an unprecedented 105 years in total, has created a situation where vital historical information remains inaccessible to researchers, historians, journalists, and the general public. This prolonged secrecy inevitably fuels speculation, erodes public trust in governmental processes, and hinders a comprehensive understanding of this tragic event and its aftermath.

While acknowledging the sensitivities that may have been present in the immediate aftermath of the massacre, the continued restriction on access decades later necessitates a thorough re-evaluation. The principles of transparency and open access to historical records are fundamental to a well-informed society. The public has a legitimate right to examine the primary source materials related to an event of such national significance.

Furthermore, the argument that public access might cause undue distress or harm diminishes with the passage of time. In contrast, the ongoing lack of transparency allows for the proliferation of unsubstantiated theories and prevents a collective societal reckoning with the full historical context. Access to primary source documents is essential for fostering informed discussion and understanding.

Therefore, I respectfully request that the Tasmanian Archive and Heritage Office:

1. **Identify and compile a comprehensive inventory of all documents within your holdings related to the Port Arthur Massacre.** This should include, but not be limited to, police reports, forensic evidence, witness statements, government briefings, internal communications, and any other relevant materials.
2. **Outline the specific legal and policy justifications for the continued restriction of access to these documents.**
3. **Detail the process by which a member of the public can formally request access to these documents, including any fees or conditions that may apply.**
4. **Commit to a timeline for the review and potential public release of these documents in their entirety, without redactions.**

I believe that the public release of these archival materials would serve the public interest by promoting transparency, fostering a more complete understanding of a significant historical event, and ultimately strengthening public trust in government and archival institutions.

I look forward to your prompt and detailed response outlining the steps the Tasmanian Archive and Heritage Office will take to address this request.