Disclosure Australia (AURA) - No 02 - Jul 2003

Magazine Overview

Title: Disclosure Australia
Issue: Newsletter Two
Volume/Date: July 2003
Publisher: Australian UFO Research Network (AUFORN)
Secretariat: Australian UFO Research Association (AURA)
Country: Australia
Language: English

This issue of "Disclosure Australia" is the second newsletter produced by the project, which is auspiced by the Australian UFO Research Network (AUFORN) and operated by the Australian UFO Research Association (AURA) as its secretariat. The newsletter aims to combine the resources of all involved in UFO research in Australia.

Introduction and Mission Statement

The Disclosure Australia Project's primary mission is to "ascertain the extent of official Australian Government knowledge of the UFO phenomenon; then to document both this and civilian knowledge on the subject." The project aims to collect, collate, analyse, and disseminate information about what is currently known regarding Australian Government knowledge of UFOs. It also seeks to document and make available the "best" Australian UFO cases from both civilian and government sources, and to uncover and disseminate information that may not be in the public domain.

The Role of the Secretariat and AUFORN

The Secretariat, managed by AURA members in Adelaide, handles the administrative functions of the project, including newsletter production, website management, mining government archives, liaison with UFO groups, and maintaining the Project UFO reports Archive. AUFORN, the national-level umbrella group for Australian UFO organizations, provides patronage and support for the project. The newsletter acknowledges the appointment of liaison officers from various UFO organisations and welcomes individual researchers who have responded to the project.

Web Presence and Archive

The project maintains a web presence at http://disclosure.freewebpage.org, which hosts a background paper from the Third Australian National UFO Conference, Newsletters One and Two, and a link to the Disclosure Australia Project Archive. This archive contains documented Australian UFO events and catalogues on specific aspects of the phenomenon.

Government Document Search

As a foundational step, the project has initiated an electronic search of the Australian Government National Archives. A preliminary search has identified approximately 30 titles of interest, including series like "Reports on Flying Saucers and Aerial Objects" (Series A703, 1955-1973), files concerning parliamentary questions about flying saucers (Series A705, 1953), and reports from various departments and agencies such as the Department of Civil Aviation and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) covering the period from the mid-1950s to the mid-1960s. Specific file numbers and control symbols are provided for these records. The newsletter notes that researcher Bill Chalker has already extensively reported on similar government files.

The Secretariat has reviewed some of these files online, including parts of 580/1/1, 114/1/197, and M1/F/31. They have also ordered other files and are making inquiries about transferring some to the Adelaide reading room for in-person inspection. The project acknowledges that this may seem like revisiting known ground but emphasizes the need for a thorough search to avoid overlooking previously unseen documents.

Assistance Required

Assistance is sought from the public for copies of any articles, published or unpublished, concerning Australian Government Federal Parliamentary questions on UFOs, specifically mentioning a document related to a parliamentary question from Mr Downer MP in 1953.

Project Archive Process

A proposed process for submitting and reviewing case files for the Project Archive is outlined. It involves receiving new UFO cases, acknowledging them to the originator, and forwarding them for review by two independent Australian researchers. After reviewers' comments are received and discussions with the originator, the Secretariat accepts or rejects the submission. If accepted, copyright issues are resolved, the case file is edited into a standard archive format, and the originator reviews and agrees on the final version before it is posted. The objective is to ensure the archive contains peer-reviewed material of the highest standard.

Transparency and Accountability

AUFORN and the Project Secretariat are committed to transparency and accountability to the UFO research community. They encourage direct communication for any clarifications or comments, rather than through third parties.

Ideas Rolling Action List

An "Ideas rolling action list" has been started to capture and track ideas submitted by researchers. The first item on the list is "Access to any relevant State level Police records," assigned to Sheryl G. for research into FOI Acts in each state and territory.

Contacting the Secretariat

Contact details for the Secretariat are provided, including snail mail address (PO Box 786, North Adelaide, South Australia 5006), email ([email protected]), and telephone (041 141 7594).

Attachment 1: Australian UFO Research Association Mission Statement

Attachment 1 details the mission statement and aims of the Australian UFO Research Association (AURA). Its mission is "To work towards a greater understanding, and acceptance, of the UFO phenomenon." The aims include collecting, analysing, and disseminating information on UFO reports and research, undertaking professional research, and ascertaining and disseminating knowledge not currently in the public domain.

Strategies for Aims

Strategies are outlined for achieving the AURA's aims:

• Aim 1: Active participation in the AUFORN Hotline system, publishing details of investigated reports, and preserving/archiving documentation on Australian UFO cases.
• Aim 2: Maintaining a network of serious individuals, seeking funding, and providing assistance to other researchers.
• Aim 3: Documenting holdings of UFO groups and organisations, seeking to ascertain knowledge not in the public domain, and disseminating this knowledge.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this newsletter are the systematic collection and dissemination of UFO information, the importance of government transparency regarding the phenomenon, and the collaborative effort required within the Australian UFO research community. The editorial stance is one of professional, transparent, and accountable research, aiming to build a comprehensive and peer-reviewed archive of Australian UFO cases and related government documentation. There is a clear emphasis on utilizing existing resources, including government archives and the collective knowledge of individual researchers and organizations.