Security clearance frequently asked questions

What is a security clearance?

A series of assessments and background checks to ensure that people entrusted with security classified resources:

• Are eligible to have access;
• Have had their identity established;
• Are suitable to have access, and
• Are willing to comply with the standards that safeguard those resources against misuse.

Am I eligible for a security clearance?

Australian security clearances are normally only granted to Australian citizens whose backgrounds can be checked for the requisite period of 5 years for base line clearances, 10 years for negative vetting clearances and whole of life for positive vetting level clearances.

Australian citizenship is a condition of eligibility for security clearances. In exceptional circumstances, your agency head may waive this requirement if the risks can be otherwise mitigated.

How is it decided what level of security clearance a person needs?

The level of security clearance that you require will depend on the level of classified information you will be required to access in your position, i.e. 'your need-to-know'. The requirement for a security clearance is not based on rank or seniority.

What are the current security clearance levels?

There have been changes to security clearance levels. The following table shows the previous and current security clearance levels:

How does the clearance process work?

The Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) conducts personnel security clearances on behalf of the ACMA. All agencies undertaking the clearance process are to comply with the requirements prescribed in the PSPF and Australian Government Personnel Security Protocol (PERSEC Protocol).

You will be asked to complete a security package containing a range of questionnaires addressing the factor areas. The level of clearance will determine the number and complexity of the questions.

The information you provide is used as the basis for conducting a range of background checks and inquiries. The background checks will assist in identifying any vulnerable areas in your life or background history that may expose you to manipulation, blackmail or coercion.

The checks may include referee interviews, financial checks and searches of records held by Australian Government agencies including the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation and the Australian Federal Police. From these the AGSVA will make an assessment of your suitability to access security classified material.  

You will also be required to provide supporting documentation as part of the security clearance process. For a list of the documents that may be required, please refer to Attachment A Documents required for a security clearance.

Who decides whether a security clearance will be granted?

After reviewing all of the information provided by you, your referees' reports and the results of your background checks the assessing officer makes a recommendation to the AGSVA delegate who may:

• Make a determination in accordance with the recommendation;
• Choose to ignore the recommendation, or
• Request the assessing officer seek additional information before making a determination.

What is 'need to know'?

To protect the security of classified resources, the government has decided that only those people whose work responsibilities require access to these resources are to have access. These people are commonly referred to as having a 'need to know'.

Can I request a review of a clearance decision?

Yes. If you are notified of intent to withhold or withdraw a security clearance, or grant a clearance at a lower level than requested, you have a right to request a review. The AGSVA will advise you of the procedures for requesting a review at the time you are notified of the clearance decision.

What about my privacy?

The security clearance process is intrusive by its nature. However, your privacy and dignity is respected. The process is non-discriminatory and the principles of natural justice are observed.

Can my personal information be accessed?

You may have supervised access to any information provided by you, in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act).

Some external checks and reports are exempted from the FOI Act, and you will not be able to access this information.

You should contact the AGSVA, or if the clearance was undertaken by another agency that agency to arrange access to your Personal Security File.

Will my personal information be protected?

All information provided by you for the clearance process is only used for assessing your suitability to hold a security clearance. Information provided by you will only be released for other purposes if there is a legal requirement to do so.

Additional Information

For additional information on the security clearance process or requirements, please contact the Australian Communication and Media Authority's Agency Security Adviser on (02) 6219 5293.

Attachment A - Documents required for a security clearance