A security clearance can be a licence or permit, or card issued in a State or Territory of Australia. A security clearance application may involve strict identity and criminal history checks by Police and Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO).
Dangerous goods security cards are issued in Western Australia under the Dangerous Goods Safety Act 2004 and associated regulations.
Maritime Security Identification Cards (MSIC) and Aviation Security Identity Cards (ASIC) are not recognised and holders of such cards must still obtain a dangerous goods security card for unsupervised access to explosives or security sensitive ammonium nitrate (SSAN), or hold an equivalent security clearance.
| State or territory | Legislation |
|---|---|
| New South Wales | Explosives Regulations 2013 |
| Queensland | Explosives Act 1999 |
| South Australia | Explosives (Security Sensitive Substances) Regulations 2006 |
| Tasmania | Security-Sensitive Dangerous Substances Act 2005 |
| Victoria |
|
| Australian Capital Territory |
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When is a security clearance required?
Under the Dangerous Goods Safety Act 2004 and regulations, a security clearance is required for persons 18 years of age who:
- Are holders of licences for the manufacture, storage, handling, transport, sale, import and use of explosives and security sensitive ammonium nitrate (SSAN)
- Have unsupervised access to explosives and SSAN
- Are a secure nominee - where a licence is issued to a company or a partnership, a person or persons must be authorised as a secure nominee for the safety and security of explosives and SSAN.
For secure nominees, the licence holder must:
- Be satisfied the secure nominee is suitably trained to safely handle any explosives or SSAN that the secure nominee will have unsupervised access to
- Maintain written records of all secure nominees including when authorisations were granted or cancelled.
A security sensitive ammonium nitrate (SSAN) is a substance containing more than 45% ammonium nitrate
When is a security clearance not required?
A security clearance may not be required for people:
- who are supervised while having access to explosives or security sensitive ammonium nitrate
- from other States or Territories of Australia who hold an equivalent security clearance or licence.
There is also an exemption for people who supply or use widely available equipment or products containing explosives that are of low safety and security concern such as:
- marine distress flares
- cartridges for nail guns
- unrestricted fireworks, such as sparklers, party poppers and caps for toy pistols or starting pistols.
Licence holders under the Firearms Act 1973 are exempted from the requirement of a dangerous goods security card for the possession and use of ammunition and ammunition propellant.
Who can apply for a dangerous goods security card?
Individuals 18 years old and over may apply.
Note:
- Applications for dangerous goods security cards must be made in person at participating Australian Post Offices.
- The assessment process for security clearances includes identity checks, national criminal history checks, ASIO checks and other background checks by the WA Police.
For information about Dangerous goods security card, including application, renewal, required document and renewal of recognised security clearances see Dangerous goods licensing.