The National Archives of Australia’s Mitchell storage facility has become so decrepit that tape is being used to hold down floor tiles which could contain asbestos.

Federal Parliament’s Public Works Committee heard evidence yesterday about plans for a new $92 million preservation facility to take pressure off the existing centre which is so full that it has been forced to stop accepting some classified documents.

Labor Senator Anne Urqhart noted during a visit to the Mitchell storage site that she had noticed at least one vinyl tile which could contain asbestos was being held down by tape and asked what plans were in place to ensure the safety of staff.

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