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Australian Government Security Vetting AgencySecurity Clearance ApplicantGuide BookDefending Australia and its National Interestswww.defence.gov.au

Australian Government Security Vetting AgencyThe Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) is the central vettingagency for the Australian Government and conducts security clearance assessmentsfor federal, state and territory agencies.Security Clearance LevelsClearance LevelLevel of accessBaselineClassified resources up to and including PROTECTED.Negative Vetting Level 1 NV1Classified resources up and including SECRET.Negative Vetting Level 2 NV2Classified resources up to and including TOP SECRET.Positive Vetting (PV)Classified resources up to and including TOP SECRET,including caveated and code word information.Security Clearance Eligibility & SuitabilityEligibilityTo be eligible for an Australian Government security clearance, you must meet thefollowing eligibility requirements: Australian citizenship – determined by the sponsoring entity before requestinga clearance. Checkable background – determined by AGSVA as part of thevetting assessment.In exceptional circumstances the sponsoring entity can elect to waive one or both ofthese requirements.2 AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT SECURITY VETTING AGENCY

SuitabilityThe security clearance process will determine your suitability to hold a securityclearance. Suitability is determined through an assessment of the individual’soverall integrity.In the security context, integrity is defined as a range of character traits sufficient forthe Australian Government to have confidence in your ability to protect Governmentresources and information.The character traits are: Honesty Tolerance Trustworthiness Resilience Maturity LoyaltyPrivacyAGSVA recognises and respects your privacy. The collection, handling, use anddisclosure of your personal information is undertaken in accordance with the AustralianPrivacy Principles set out in the Privacy Act 1988.You may be asked questions that explore personal and sensitive aspects of your life,such as your relationships, finances, alcohol and drug use, and social or political views.You may be uncomfortable with some questions, or view them as intrusive, however itis important that you answer all questions openly and honestly.AGSVA’s vetting officers and psychologists are qualified professionals who arecommitted to completing vetting assessments in an objective manner. AGSVA staff arefocused on determining your suitability to access sensitive and classified resources andwill undertake careful consideration of the whole person.Past activity or behaviours do not automatically disqualify you from attaining a securityclearance. It can be possible for vetting officers to mitigate risk areas where there issufficient evidence of reform.Security Clearance Applicant Guide Book 3

The Vetting Assessment ProcessClearance RequestIf your role requires you to hold a security clearance your employer will notify you andsubmit a clearance request on your behalf to AGSVA. Individuals cannot sponsor theirown security clearance.Security Clearance PackageThe Security Clearance Package has two submission components:Online ePack questionnaire1You will receive an email with your logon details for AGSVA’s eVetting portalincluding the first half of your password. Your security advisor will provide you withthe second half of your password. You will need to logon and submit your ePackquestionnaire online.Sending forms and personal documents to AGSVA2Forms: SVA100 Informed Consent Acknowledgement SVA084 National Police Checking Service (NPCS) Application SVA041 Statutory DeclarationPersonal documents: as identified in the Security Clearance Package ChecklistYou will receive an email with your logon details for AGSVA’s eVetting portalincluding the first half of your password. Your security advisor will provide you withthe second half of your password. You will need to logon and submit your ePackquestionnaire online.Once you have completed and submitted your ePack questionnaire the above formsand a personalised ‘Security Clearance Package Checklist’ will become available toyou. The checklist will identify the documentation you are required to provide, andprovide instructions on sending your completed forms and personal documentsto AGSVA.Once your Security Clearance Package is received by AGSVA, your submission will beassessed for completeness, and any missing information will be requested from you.4 AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT SECURITY VETTING AGENCY

Vetting AssessmentOnce your Security Clearance Package has been accepted as complete, AGSVA’svetting assessment begins.Depending on the clearance level requested, AGSVA may contact you to schedule apsychological assessment. AGSVA will initiate external checks and allocate the caseto a vetting officer. During the assessment the vetting officer will contact or conductinterviews with you and your referees.Once all the required information has been gathered the vetting officer will make arecommendation on your suitability to hold a security clearance.DecisionAn authorised decision maker from AGSVA will review the recommendation and finalisethe decision for cases being granted or denied. AGSVA will then notify you and yoursponsor of the outcome of your security clearance application.In the event that your clearance application is denied or an existing clearance revoked,you can ask for a review of the decision. For further information on decision reviewplease visit the AGSVA website.Vetting TimeframesClearance levelAGSVA issues SecurityClearance PackageApplicant completesSecurity ClearancePackageAGSVA completesvetting assessmentBaseline5–10 business days20 business days20 business daysNegative Vetting 15–10 business days20 business days70 business daysNegative Vetting 25–10 business days20 business days100 business daysPositive Vetting5–10 business days20 business days180 business daysSecurity Clearance Applicant Guide Book 5

Guide to ePack information andpersonal documentsePack Information RequirementsThe below table is a guide to the ePack information you may be required to provideduring the security clearance process. You can start gathering this information prior tobeing supplied with your eVetting Portal logon.MandatoryIf required by AGSVA Information RequirementBaselineNV1NV2PVDetails of partner and parentsFull name, date and place of birth, currentaddress, citizenship, current employmentDetails of all cohabitants over 18yrs old(including siblings and children)Full name, date and place of birth, citizenship,current employment, (details of overseastravel may be required)Overseas relativesFull name, relationship, country, citizenship,current address, residence since, occupationOfficial Foreign Government ContactsFull name, employment detailsFinancial information Details of your most recent tax returnAnnual salary (gross and net)Average fortnightly expenditureLoans and other debt statementsDetails of other forms of income(pensions, government payments,child support) Details of bequests, legal settlements,(inheritance) Details of investment accounts Details of credit cards (institution, creditlimit, type, balance and average payment)6 AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT SECURITY VETTING AGENCY

Information RequirementBaselineNV1NV2PV10 yearsSince age16, or 10years forapplicantsunder 2610 yearsSince age16, or 10years forapplicantsunder 2610 yearsSince age16, or 10years forapplicantsunder 2610 yearsSince age16, or 10years forapplicantsunder 26 Since age16, or 10years forapplicantsunder 26Financial information (continued) Details of current and previous real estateholdings, (purchase dates, price, value,mortgage provider and account details) Details of current motor vehicles (make,model, type, registration number, valueand loan details) Details of any other major assets Details of business interests Details of all superannuation accountsEmployment historyName of employer, position, dates, addressAddress historyFull address and dates resided 5 years5 years10 years10 yearsEducation historyName of institution, years attended,qualification receivedOverseas travelCountry, dates & reason for visit5 years10 years10 years10 yearsPassport and Travel DocumentsIssuing Country, passport number, type,validity Social membershipsName of club/association, purpose, dates ofmembershipLegal proceedingsType, description, location, outcomeIf applicableIf applicableSecurity clearance historyDetails of clearance issued by AGSVA orother government departmentSecurity Clearance Applicant Guide Book If applicable 7

Personal Document RequirementsOnce you have submitted your ePack questionnaire you will be provided with a‘Security Clearance Package Checklist’ specific to you, identifying which personaldocuments you need to provide. The table below is a guide to the personal documentsthat may be required during a security clearance process.MandatoryIf required by AGSVA Document RequirementBaselineNV1NV2PVFull Birth Certificate (Born in Australia)Must contain a minimum of oneparent’s details.An extract is not acceptable.If you were born in Australia on or after 20August 1986, refer to Proof of AustralianCitizenship below.Full Birth Certificate (Born Overseas)If in a language other English, you mustalso provide a translation from a translatoraccredited by NAATI.Proof of Australian CitizenshipBorn overseas – Australiancitizenship certificateBorn in Australia on or after 20 August 1986– additional documentation required as proofof Australian Citizenship, i.e. your Australianpassport, parent’s full birth certificateshowing parent was born in Australia before20 August 1986, parent’s Australian passportissued on or after 20 August 1986 issuedbefore your birth, or parent’s Australiancitizenship certificate issued before your birth.Current Marriage CertificateIssued by the Registrar of Birth, Deathsand MarriagesIf applicableDivorce certificate(s)Decree nisi or decree absolute for allprevious DivorcesChange of name certificate(s)Legal name change document or deed poll8 If applicableIf applicableAUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT SECURITY VETTING AGENCY

Document RequirementBaselineNV1NV2PVCertificate of Service or dischargeIf applicableMilitary service record for previous service inthe Defence Forces of any countryCurrent Photo identificationMust contain a clear identification photographand legible signature (e.g. drivers licence)Current Secondary identificationCurrent Medicare card OR Identity cardissued by Australian Defence ForceCurrent credit or bank cardIssued by a Financial InstitutionProof of current addressDrivers licence, utility bill, rates notice,bank statementProof of previous addressesAlladdressesin past10 yearsDrivers licence, utility bill, rates notice, bankstatement NB: BL/NV1/NV2 one previousaddressProof of current employmentPay slips, payment summary, statement ofservice, letter of offer for proposed employmentProof of previous employmente.g Pay slips, payment summary, statementof serviceAllemployersin past10 years NB: NV1/NV2 one previous employmentPassport(s)Details page and all stamped pages for eachcurrent, expired or cancelled passport Financial statementsFor past 3 months for all bank accounts,credit cardsTax ReturnYour last Tax ReturnNotice of Tax AssessmentYour last Notice of AssessmentPayslipYour most recent from all current employersSecurity Clearance Applicant Guide Book 9