28 Jan 2022
On 25 January 2022, the Minister for Home Affairs, the Hon Karen Andrews MP, announced the Government's decision to implement a single government issuing authority(Opens in a new tab/window) for the aviation and maritime security identification card (ASIC and MSIC) schemes.
The Department's current ASIC and MSIC Issuing Body in AusCheck will expand to become the single government issuing authority to provide a secure and streamlined service for all ASIC and MSIC applicants.
A single government issuing authority will deliver strong security outcomes and ensure Australia's aviation and maritime transport sectors remain secure from any new or evolving risks from terrorism, serious crime and cyber-attacks.
It will provide a nationally consistent approach to managing identity security, ASIC and MSIC applications and card production and management. It will provide a streamlined and transparent process for applicants and cardholders, and mitigate risks of cyber-attacks and trusted-insiders. The Government's decision is a result of careful consideration of all factors, particularly feedback from industry.
The Department is consulting with industry to co-design Australia's optimal issuing authority, develop transition plans for all existing ASIC and MSIC issuing bodies, and finalise the operating model for the single government issuing authority.
For more information, see Information for Issuing Bodies.