A security clearance is an official authorisation that allows individuals to access classified or sensitive information within government operations. It ensures that only vetted and trustworthy individuals can handle information designated as Protected, Secret, or Top Secret, following the guidelines set out by the Australian Government Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF).

You need a security clearance if your role involves accessing sensitive information or engaging in functions that require a high level of trust, such as those found in government, Defence, or Defence Industry positions. The clearance process is crucial for safeguarding national security and maintaining the integrity of sensitive information.

Learn more about Security Clearance Sponsorship.

In order to be eligible for an Australian Government security clearance, you must have:

• Australian Citizenship
• Checkable Background

AGSVA will also determine if an individual is suitable to hold a security clearance, by making an assessment of overall integrity using the following character traits:

• Honesty
• Trustworthiness
• Maturity
• Tolerance
• Resilience
• Loyalty

Visit the AGSVA website to learn more: Eligibility and suitability | Australian Government Security Vetting Agency

Yes.  Although there are exceptional circumstances where the AGSVA may waive the Australian citizenship requirement, these are generally unavailable to Defence Industry as they require a specific set of conditions:

• The foreign national is necessary to meeting a critical objective.
• The role cannot be redesigned so that access to classified information or resources is restricted.
• The role cannot be performed by an Australian citizen.
• There is no conflict of interest in relation to the foreign national’s country of allegiance and the role being undertaken.
• The foreign national is a permanent resident, is actively seeking citizenship and the process will be concluded in a reasonable period.

Further information on what documentation you will need can be found at AGSVA | Security Officers | Sponsoring a New Clearance under the section Foreign nationals and citizenship waivers.

The expected time-frame for obtaining a security clearance varies depending on the level of clearance you are applying for. Below are the typical processing times for each type of clearance:

1. Baseline Clearance: Approximately 1 month.
2. Negative Vetting Level 1 (NV1): Approximately 3 months.
3. Negative Vetting Level 2 (NV2): Approximately 5 months.

These time-frames can be affected by various factors, including the completeness of your application, the speed of background checks, and the workload of the AGSVA at the time of your application. It’s important to ensure that all documentation is accurately filled out and submitted promptly to help expedite the process.

The Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) tracks performance to ensure key performance indicators (KPI) are met. Their current performance can be viewed here:

Key performance indicators | Australian Government Security Vetting Agency.

Please note that the AGVSA KPIs advertised begin once your application has been submitted and verified as complete (ie progressed to the ‘Assessment in Progress’ stage).

Yes. AGSVA charges fees to government agencies and defence industry sponsors for security clearance assessments. This ensures adequate resourcing and recovery of security vetting service costs in an environment of growing demand for clearances.

WorkSec passes through AGSVA’s vetting fees, and also charges a once off fee for the employment suitability check, as well as an annual sponsorship fee to cover the Security Officer and governance duties required for you to maintain your clearance in line with DISP and PSPF obligations.

Often, employers will cover these fees where security clearances are required for Defence or Government engagement. In some cases, costs may also be tax-deductible, so it’s worth checking with your accountant.

Contact WorkSec today for a quick quote or to confirm your eligibility and sponsorship options — our team can help you understand exactly what applies in your situation.