The Collections Council of Australia Ltd was a not-for-profit organisation, established in late 2004 as a company limited by guarantee.

The organisation was initiated by the Cultural Ministers Council, and was supported through to August 2010 by the federal, state and territory governments of Australia through the Cultural Ministers Council.

The Collections Council’s charter focused on the collections sector throughout Australia, and included archives, galleries, libraries and museums. The Council aimed to ensure the stability and the sustainability of the collections sector by playing a leadership role in:

• developing long term strategies to address issues facing the collections sector;
• developing a profile for the sector at a national and international level; and
• implementing initiatives to address cross-sectoral issues.

Primarily this advancement occured through communication and consultation with key stakeholders to resolve common issues, to improve standards and procedures, and to promote the value of the sector and an understanding of the issues it faces.

The Collections Council believed that the cultural collections of Australia represent the essence of the past, present and future memory of the country; they shape our psyche; record our development, provide insight into our national spirit, and inspire us for the future. The Council’s vision was for  all Australians and their governments committed to policies and practices that ensure Australia’s collections will always inspire, amaze, inform and delight Australians and the world. The Council's plans and reports can be found on this website under Corporate Documents.

The Collections Council was governed by a board of twelve Directors, including (ex officio) the Chairs of four ‘industry councils’ – the Council of Australasian Archives and Records Authorities, the Council of Australian Art Museum Directors, the Council of Australasian Museum Directors, and National & State Libraries Australasia.  The Collections Council’s office is hosted by the Libraries Board of South Australia. The Secretariat consisted of the CEO and three staff.

The Collections Council received approval to be listed on the Register of Cultural Organisations (ROCO) maintained under Subdivision 30-F of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997. With effect from 8 October 2006, through to the closure of the Collections Council in 2010, the company was therefore eligible to receive tax-deductible donations in support the cultural purposes of the Collections Council. The Board thanks all donors for their contributions.