Reviewing the AusCheck background checking framework

Background

The Department of Home Affairs is progressing comprehensive reform of the AusCheck background checking framework. This is designed to deliver a fit-for-purpose background checking framework to enhance national security outcomes, improve operational efficiency, and provide a flexible and adaptable service to support industries that have a vital role in Australia’s economic strength.

With the progression of the comprehensive reform, the implementation of the Single Issuing Body (SIB) model will not continue. However, we will still deliver the benefits designed for the SIB, including improved security, streamlined processes, and greater consistency, through the broader review and redesign process.

The department will maintain the current operating model for now. We will not make immediate changes to how we issue Aviation Security Identification Cards (ASICs) or Maritime Security Identification Cards (MSICs). The status of all current issuing bodies will stay the same.

Overview of the changes

The department is conducting a comprehensive review of the AusCheck background checking framework.
The implementation of the SIB model will not continue.
Existing issuing body arrangements remain – there are no immediate changes for cardholders, applicants or issuing bodies.
We will deliver interim improvements to the background checking process, consistent with improvements identified in the SIB, while we design and implement broader reform.
Work is underway to enhance the physical security features of ASIC and MSIC cards via a 2-stage procurement process.

The need for reform

Australia faces a rapidly evolving and complex security environment. Focus is on ensuring the national approach to background checking is resilient, modern, can adapt to new and emerging threats, and can partner with industry.

The objective of background checking reform is to:

strengthen national security outcomes
improve efficiency for applicants, issuing bodies, industry, and government
increase consistency across schemes coordinated by AusCheck
streamline processes and remove duplication
direct effort from government and industry on areas of highest risk.

This review is an opportunity to design a best-practice framework that lifts standards, streamlines processes, and modernises our approach. The aim is to achieve better security outcomes for government and industry.

The reforms completed so far

The department appreciates the support, engagement and feedback provided by industry about the SIB reforms.

During this time, the department and industry have:

engaged on approaches to improve background checking and national security
refined operational elements of the SIB model
transitioned the issuing body functions from Adelaide and Canberra Airports to AusCheck
identified key opportunities to streamline processes and lift security standards in response to the evolving threat environment.

The feedback gathered through this process will continue to inform the broader reform effort now underway.

The next stages

The background checking reform will progress through a staged, consultative approach. Importantly, while we develop broader legislative reform, we will continue to implement process improvements and enhance security outcomes across existing systems.

These include:

policy development to conceptualise a future-state background checking framework
working with stakeholders to understand the opportunities and challenges and seek innovative ideas on the future of background checking
2-stage procurement process to design the upgrade and physical security features of ASIC and MSIC cards
- Phase 1 – Request for Information (RFI)
- Phase 2 – Request for Tender (RFT)
enhancements to support updating of IT systems and modernise digital infrastructure
continued communications through industry forums, website updates and direct outreach.

Important information for industry

Businesses, facility operators and applicants can continue to access background checking and card application services through the existing channels, with no disruption to current processes.

There will be no immediate changes to the issuing of ASICs and MSICs. AusCheck will continue to coordinate background checks for all regulated schemes, and the current issuing body arrangements will remain in place for now.

As the review of the background checking framework progresses, the department will progress interim measures aimed at streamlining processes and enhancing security. Extensive consultation and feedback gathered during the SIB consultation period, which helped identify main areas for improvement, including identity verification, records management and cyber security practices, will inform these changes.

The department remains committed to collaborating with industry partners to ensure the reform program reflects industry needs and supports a safe, secure and prosperous Australia.

Important information for issuing bodies

There will be no change to how existing issuing bodies operate, and there will be no immediate changes to their responsibilities or functions. The transition to a SIB will no longer continue in its original form. Instead, we will progress a broader reform of the background checking framework, with a focus on increasing efficiency, streamlining processes and enhancing security outcomes.

Issuing bodies will remain important partners in the development and implementation of reforms. AusCheck will continue to coordinate background checks for ASIC and MSIC applicants, while working with issuing bodies to implement interim enhancements. Lessons learned from the SIB transitions at Canberra and Adelaide Airports, and feedback from industry consultations, will shape these improvements.

Longer-term, we will continue working with issuing bodies to define a future-state operating model that delivers an efficient, secure and modern background checking framework. We remain committed to early and transparent engagement, and we will consult with issuing bodies throughout the reform process.

Contact us

Our goal remains to keep Australia safe, secure and prosperous in partnership with you. We are committed to working with you as the review progresses. We will continue to provide updates through targeted forums, existing industry forums, and information sessions.

We welcome your input.