{"id":"C2007A00053","name":"AusCheck Act 2007","slug":"auscheck-act-2007","collection":"act","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":"53 of 2007","makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":7989,"registerId":"commonwealth-C2007A00053-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-03-30","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"Part 1","sectionType":"part","heading":"Preliminary","content":"## Part 1—Preliminary","sortOrder":0},{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Short title","content":"#### 1 Short title\n\n This Act may be cited as the AusCheck Act 2007.","sortOrder":1},{"sectionNumber":"2","sectionType":"section","heading":"Commencement","content":"#### 2 Commencement\n\n This Act commences on the day after it receives the Royal Assent.","sortOrder":2},{"sectionNumber":"3","sectionType":"section","heading":"Object of Act","content":"#### 3 Object of Act\n\n The object of this Act is to provide a regulatory framework for coordinating and conducting certain criminal, security and other background checking.","sortOrder":3},{"sectionNumber":"4","sectionType":"section","heading":"Definitions","content":"#### 4 Definitions\n\n (1) In this Act:\n\n> ASIC (short for aviation security identification card) has the same meaning as in the Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005.\n\n> AusCheck database means the database referred to in section 14.\n\n> AusCheck scheme means the scheme prescribed for the purposes of section 8.\n\n> AusCheck scheme personal information means personal information:\n\n (a) that is obtained under the AusCheck scheme; or\n (b) that relates to the administration of the AusCheck scheme; or\n (c) that is obtained before the commencement of Schedule 1 to the AusCheck Amendment (Global Entry Program) Act 2025 by an agency (within the meaning of the Privacy Act 1988) for the purposes of conducting (whether before or after that commencement) a background check in connection with an individual’s participation in the Global Entry program.\n\n> AusCheck staff member means:\n\n (a) an APS employee who performs functions relating to, or for the purposes of, the AusCheck scheme; or\n (b) a person engaged as a consultant or contractor to perform functions relating to, or for the purposes of, the AusCheck scheme.\n\n> Note: For the definition of APS employee, see section 2B of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.\n\n> aviation‑security‑relevant offence has the same meaning as in the Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005.\n\n> CEO of ACIC means the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission established by the Australian Crime Commission Act 2002.\n\n> charged: an individual is charged with a serious offence if an information is laid against the individual for the offence, whether or not:\n\n (a) a summons to require the attendance of the individual to answer the information has been issued; or\n (b) a warrant for the arrest of the individual has been issued.\n\n> Commonwealth authority means a body (whether incorporated or not) established for a public purpose by or under a law of the Commonwealth.\n\n> critical infrastructure risk management program has the same meaning as in the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018.\n\n> Defence Force magistrate has the same meaning as in the Defence Force Discipline Act 1982.\n\n> firearms background check means a background check conducted under regulations made for the purposes of paragraph 8(1)(f).\n\n> firearms licensing authority has the meaning given by regulations made for the purposes of this definition.\n\n> Global Entry program means the trusted traveller program of the Government of the United States of America, known as the Global Entry program, that enables expedited immigration and customs clearance for individuals entering the United States of America and that is open to Australian citizens.\n\n> identity verification information, in relation to an individual, means personal information consisting of the individual’s fingerprints or other biometric data about the individual, but does not include a photograph of the individual.\n\n> issuing body means:\n\n (a) an issuing body within the meaning of the Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005; or\n (b) an issuing body within the meaning of the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Regulations 2003.\n\n> law enforcement agency means an authority of the Commonwealth, or an authority of a State or Territory, that has functions relating to law enforcement.\n\n> major national event has the meaning given by section 5A.\n\n> maritime‑security‑relevant offence has the same meaning as in the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Regulations 2003.\n\n> MSIC (short for maritime security identification card) has the same meaning as in the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Regulations 2003.\n\n> national security agency means:\n\n (a) the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation; or\n (b) the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission established by the Australian Crime Commission Act 2002; or\n (c) any other agency of the Commonwealth prescribed by the regulations.\n\n> national security background check, in relation to an individual, means a background check conducted in relation to the individual under an Act or legislative instrument referred to in subparagraph 8(1)(b)(i) or (ii) for a purpose referred to in paragraph 8(2)(a), (b), (c), or (d).\n\n> permanent resident means a person:\n\n (a) who is not an Australian citizen; and\n (b) whose normal place of residence is situated in Australia; and\n (c) whose presence in Australia is not subject to any limitation as to time imposed by law; and\n (d) who is not an unlawful non‑citizen.\n\n> personal information has the same meaning as in the Privacy Act 1988.\n\n> resolved: for when a charge for a serious offence is resolved in relation to an individual, see subsection (3).\n\n> Schedule 1A offence has the same meaning as in the Defence Force Discipline Act 1982.\n\n> Secretary means the Secretary of the Department.\n\n> serious offence:\n\n (a) in relation to an applicant for, or holder of, an ASIC—means an aviation‑security‑relevant offence of a kind specified in the regulations for the purposes of this paragraph; and\n (b) in relation to an applicant for, or holder of, an MSIC—means a maritime‑security‑relevant offence of a kind specified in the regulations for the purposes of this paragraph.\n\n> service offence has the same meaning as in the Defence Force Discipline Act 1982.\n\n> State or Territory authority means a body (whether incorporated or not) established for a public purpose by or under a law of a State or Territory.\n\n> unlawful non‑citizen has the same meaning as in the Migration Act 1958.\n\n Meaning of personal information\n (2) To avoid doubt:\n\n> personal information, in relation to an individual, includes the following:\n\n (a) the number of an ASIC or MSIC issued to the individual;\n (b) any other identifier assigned to the individual;\n (c) a photograph of the individual.\n When a charge is resolved\n (3) For the purposes of this Act, a charge for a serious offence is resolved in relation to an individual if the charge is finally dealt with in any of the following ways:\n (a) the charge is withdrawn;\n (b) the charge is dismissed by a court;\n (c) the individual is discharged by a court following a committal hearing;\n (d) the individual is acquitted of the offence by a court;\n (e) the individual is found guilty of the offence and a court:\n (i) sentences the person for the offence; or\n (ii) makes an order relating to the offence under section 19B of the Crimes Act 1914, or a corresponding provision of a law of a State or Territory.","sortOrder":4},{"sectionNumber":"5","sectionType":"section","heading":"Definition of background check","content":"#### 5 Definition of background check\n\n A background check, in relation to an individual, is an assessment of information relating to one or more of the following:\n (a) the individual’s criminal history;\n (aa) if required or permitted under a regulation made under subsection 8(3):\n (i) whether the individual has been charged with a serious offence; or\n (ii) whether a charge for a serious offence has been resolved in relation to the individual;\n (b) matters relevant to a security assessment (as defined in subsection 35(1) of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979) of the individual;\n (ba) if the background check is conducted for the purposes of paragraph 8(1)(a) or (f)—matters relevant to a criminal intelligence assessment (within the meaning of Part III of the Australian Crime Commission Act 2002) of the individual;\n (bb) if the background check is conducted for the purposes of paragraph 8(1)(e)—whether a court martial or a Defence Force magistrate:\n (i) has convicted the individual of a service offence (other than a Schedule 1A offence); or\n (ii) has convicted the individual of a Schedule 1A offence and imposed a punishment of imprisonment on the individual;\n (c) the individual’s citizenship status, residency status or the individual’s entitlement to work in Australia, including but not limited to, whether the person is an Australian citizen, a permanent resident or an unlawful non‑citizen;\n (d) the identity of the individual.","sortOrder":5},{"sectionNumber":"5A","sectionType":"section","heading":"Declaration of major national events","content":"#### 5A Declaration of major national events\n\n (1) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, declare that a specified event is a major national event for the purposes of this Act.\n (2) The Minister must not make a declaration under subsection (1) in relation to an event unless the Minister is satisfied that it is in the national interest that the Commonwealth be involved in the conduct and coordination of background checks in connection with the accreditation of individuals in relation to the event.\n (3) In considering whether to make a declaration under subsection (1) in relation to an event, the Minister may have regard to:\n (a) the significance of the event; and\n (b) the need (if any) to coordinate security arrangements in relation to the event with one or more States or Territories or one or more foreign governments; and\n (c) any risk assessment relating to the event; and\n (d) the potential impact of any security incident relating to the event on Australia’s reputation; and\n (e) the anticipated attendees at the event; and\n (f) any other matter the Minister considers relevant.","sortOrder":6},{"sectionNumber":"6","sectionType":"section","heading":"Crown to be bound","content":"#### 6 Crown to be bound\n\n (1) This Act binds the Crown in each of its capacities.\n (2) This Act does not make the Crown liable to be prosecuted for an offence.","sortOrder":7},{"sectionNumber":"7","sectionType":"section","heading":"Extension to external Territories","content":"#### 7 Extension to external Territories\n\n This Act extends to every external Territory.","sortOrder":8},{"sectionNumber":"Part 2","sectionType":"part","heading":"Establishment of AusCheck scheme","content":"## Part 2—Establishment of AusCheck scheme","sortOrder":9},{"sectionNumber":"8","sectionType":"section","heading":"Establishment of AusCheck scheme","content":"#### 8 Establishment of AusCheck scheme\n\n (1) The regulations may provide for the establishment of a scheme (the AusCheck scheme) relating to the conduct and coordination of background checks of individuals if:\n (a) any of the following laws requires or permits a background check to be conducted of an individual for specified purposes:\n (i) the Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 or regulations under that Act;\n (ii) the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003 or regulations under that Act; or\n (b) any other Act (other than this Act) expressly:\n (i) requires or permits a background check of an individual to be conducted under the AusCheck scheme for purposes specified in the Act; or\n (ii) provides for the making of a legislative instrument requiring or permitting a background check of an individual to be conducted under the AusCheck scheme for purposes specified in the Act; or\n (ba) a critical infrastructure risk management program permits a background check of an individual to be conducted under the AusCheck scheme; or\n (c) a regulation made under subsection (3) requires or permits a background check to be conducted of an individual; or\n (d) the check is of an individual in connection with the accreditation of the individual in relation to a major national event; or\n (e) the check is of an individual in connection with the individual’s participation in the Global Entry program; or\n (f) the check is of an individual in connection with any of the following:\n (i) a decision under a law of a State or Territory about whether to issue a firearms licence to the individual or otherwise relating to the issue of such a licence (including in relation to conditions);\n (ii) a decision about whether to renew, revoke, vary or suspend a licence mentioned in subparagraph (i);\n (iii) in relation to an individual who holds a firearms licence—an application by a law enforcement agency or a national security agency.\n National security background checks\n (2) If paragraph (1)(b) applies, the background check must be conducted for purposes related to:\n (a) Australia’s national security; or\n (b) the defence of Australia; or\n (c) a national emergency; or\n (d) the prevention of conduct to which Part 5.3, 5.3A or 5.5 of Chapter 5 of the Criminal Code (which deal with terrorism, foreign incursions and recruitment) applies.\n Background checks in connection with major national events\n (2A) If paragraph (1)(d) applies, the background check must be conducted:\n (a) for purposes related to matters that are peculiarly adapted to the government of a nation and that cannot otherwise be carried on for the benefit of the nation; or\n (b) for purposes involving, or for purposes related to, the collection and transmission of information by a communication using a postal, telegraphic, telephonic or other like service; or\n (c) in, or for purposes related to, a Territory; or\n (d) in or with respect to a Commonwealth place (within the meaning of the Commonwealth Places (Application of Laws) Act 1970); or\n (e) in the course of, or for purposes related to, trade or commerce with other countries, and among the States; or\n (f) in relation to a person who is an employee of, an office holder in, or otherwise connected with, a corporation to which paragraph 51(xx) of the Constitution applies, where the results of the check are relevant to:\n (i) the relationship between the person and the corporation; or\n (ii) the protection of the corporation; or\n (iii) the activities of the corporation; or\n (g) for purposes related to external affairs; or\n (h) for purposes related to the background checking of, or the protection of, aliens; or\n (i) for purposes related to:\n (i) Australia’s national security; or\n (ii) the defence of Australia; or\n (iii) a national emergency; or\n (iv) the prevention of conduct to which Part 5.3, 5.3A or 5.5 of the Criminal Code applies; or\n (j) by way of the provision of a service, for a purpose of the Commonwealth, to:\n (i) the Commonwealth; or\n (ii) an authority of the Commonwealth; or\n (k) for purposes related to matters incidental to the execution of any of the legislative powers of the Parliament or the executive power of the Commonwealth.\n Background checks required or permitted under the regulations—charges for serious offences\n (3) The regulations may require or permit a background check covering a matter referred to in paragraph 5(a), (aa) or (d) to be conducted in relation to an individual if:\n (a) one of the following applies:\n (i) the individual has applied to an issuing body for an ASIC or MSIC, and the issuing body has neither issued, nor refused to issue, the ASIC or MSIC;\n (ii) the individual or an issuing body has applied under regulations made under the Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 or the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003 for approval to issue an ASIC or MSIC to the individual, and the application has not been determined;\n (iii) the individual is the holder of an ASIC or MSIC;\n (iv) the individual or an issuing body has applied under regulations made under either of those Acts to set aside the cancellation of an ASIC or MSIC issued to the individual;\n (v) the individual has applied to the Administrative Review Tribunal for review of a decision made under regulations made under either of those Acts, or a decision made under the AusCheck scheme, relating to the issue, suspension or cancellation of an ASIC or MSIC, and the application has not been determined; and\n (b) the Secretary considers on reasonable grounds that:\n (i) the individual has been charged with a serious offence; or\n (ii) a charge for a serious offence has been resolved in relation to the individual.\n\n> Note: The matters referred to in paragraphs 5(a), (aa) and (d) cover the individual’s criminal history, whether the individual has been charged with a serious offence or has had a charge for such an offence resolved, and the individual’s identity.\n\n (4) A regulation made under subsection (3) may only require or permit a background check to be conducted for purposes related to determining whether it is appropriate for the individual to enter any area or zone to which access is restricted under:\n (a) the Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 or regulations under that Act; or\n (b) the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003 or regulations under that Act.\n Firearms background checks\n (4A) If paragraph (1)(f) applies, a firearms background check of an individual may only take into account one or more of the following:\n (a) an assessment by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation of the individual under the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979;\n (b) a criminal intelligence assessment (within the meaning of Part III of the Australian Crime Commission Act 2002) of the individual under that Act;\n (c) the citizenship status of the individual.\n Definitions\n (5) A term used in subsection (2A) and the Constitution has the same meaning in that subsection as it has in the Constitution.","sortOrder":10},{"sectionNumber":"9","sectionType":"section","heading":"Matters covered by AusCheck scheme—background checks required or permitted other than under regulations made under this Act","content":"#### 9 Matters covered by AusCheck scheme—background checks required or permitted other than under regulations made under this Act\n\n (1) The AusCheck scheme may, for the purposes of paragraphs 8(1)(a) and (b), make provision for and in relation to the following:\n (a) the making of applications for a background check by the individual to whom the background check relates;\n (b) the making of applications for a background check by a person other than the individual to whom the background check relates, with the consent of the individual to whom the background check relates;\n (c) the information that is to be contained in an application for a background check;\n (d) the criteria against which an application for a background check is to be assessed;\n (e) the decision or decisions that may be made as a result of an application for a background check;\n (f) the form of advice to be given to the applicant for a background check;\n (g) the form of advice to be given to an individual in respect of whom a background check is conducted;\n (h) the form of advice to be given to other persons about the outcome of a background check.\n (2) The matters referred to in subsection (1) may relate to:\n (a) all background checks to be conducted for the purposes of paragraphs 8(1)(a) and (b); or\n (b) a specified class of background checks.\n (3) Without limiting the way in which a class of background checks may be described for the purposes of subsection (2), a class may be described by reference to a specified legislative or non‑legislative scheme, a specified law of the Commonwealth, specified provisions of a law of the Commonwealth or specified purposes.\n (4) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(b), an individual is taken to have given consent to another person making an application for a background check in relation to the individual if:\n (a) the individual has applied for:\n (i) an ASIC or MSIC; or\n (iii) any other card, licence, permit or authorisation; and\n (b) before making the application referred to in paragraph (a), the individual was advised by the person to whom that application was made, in accordance with the requirements (if any) specified in the regulations, that a background check was a precondition to:\n (i) the issuing of the card, licence, permit or authorisation; or\n (ii) if the background check is required or permitted to be conducted as referred to in paragraph 8(1)(a) in a particular circumstance—the individual’s continuing eligibility to hold the card in that circumstance.","sortOrder":11},{"sectionNumber":"10","sectionType":"section","heading":"Matters covered by AusCheck scheme—background checks required or permitted under regulations made under this Act","content":"#### 10 Matters covered by AusCheck scheme—background checks required or permitted under regulations made under this Act\n\n (1) The AusCheck scheme may, for the purposes of paragraph 8(1)(c), make provision for and in relation to the following:\n (a) the giving to the Secretary of information, relating to an individual in respect of whom a background check is conducted, that is directly necessary for the purpose of conducting the background check;\n (b) the criteria against which a background check is to be assessed;\n (c) the decision or decisions that may be made as a result of a background check;\n (d) the form of advice to be given to an individual in respect of whom a background check is conducted;\n (e) the form of advice to be given to other persons about the outcome of a background check.\n (2) The matters referred to in subsection (1) may relate to:\n (a) all background checks to be conducted for the purposes of paragraph 8(1)(c); or\n (b) a specified class of background checks.\n (3) The AusCheck scheme may, for the purposes of paragraph 8(1)(c), make provision for and in relation to an individual or an issuing body notifying the Secretary of specified matters if:\n (a) one of the following applies:\n (i) the individual has applied to an issuing body for an ASIC or MSIC, and the issuing body has neither issued, nor refused to issue, the ASIC or MSIC;\n (ii) the individual or an issuing body has applied under regulations made under the Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 or the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003 for approval to issue an ASIC or MSIC to the individual, and the application has not been determined;\n (iii) the individual is the holder of an ASIC or MSIC;\n (iv) the individual or an issuing body has applied under regulations made under either of those Acts to set aside the cancellation of an ASIC or MSIC issued to the individual;\n (v) the individual has applied to the Administrative Review Tribunal for review of a decision made under regulations made under either of those Acts, or a decision made under the AusCheck scheme, relating to the issue, suspension or cancellation of an ASIC or MSIC, and the application has not been determined; and\n (b) the individual has been charged with a serious offence, or a charge for a serious offence has been resolved in relation to the individual; and\n (c) in the case of an issuing body:\n (i) the individual applied to the issuing body for the ASIC or MSIC; or\n (ii) the issuing body issued the ASIC or MSIC to the individual.","sortOrder":12},{"sectionNumber":"10AA","sectionType":"section","heading":"Matters covered by the AusCheck scheme—background checks in connection with major national events","content":"#### 10AA Matters covered by the AusCheck scheme—background checks in connection with major national events\n\n (1) The AusCheck scheme may, for the purposes of paragraph 8(1)(d), make provision for and in relation to any of the following:\n (a) the giving to the Secretary of information, relating to an individual in respect of whom a background check is conducted, that is directly necessary for the purpose of conducting the background check;\n (b) the criteria against which a background check is to be assessed;\n (c) the decision or decisions that may be made as a result of a background check;\n (d) the form of advice to be given to an individual in respect of whom a background check is conducted;\n (e) the form of advice to be given to other persons about the outcome of a background check.\n (2) The matters referred to in subsection (1) may relate to:\n (a) all background checks to be conducted for the purposes of paragraph 8(1)(d); or\n (b) a specified class of background checks.","sortOrder":13},{"sectionNumber":"10AB","sectionType":"section","heading":"Matters covered by AusCheck Scheme—background checks in connection with the Global Entry program","content":"#### 10AB Matters covered by AusCheck Scheme—background checks in connection with the Global Entry program\n\n (1) The AusCheck scheme may, for the purposes of paragraph 8(1)(e), make provision for and in relation to any of the following:\n (a) the making of applications for a background check by the individual to whom the background check relates;\n (b) except for a background check in relation to an individual who has turned 18—either or both of the following:\n (i) consent by a parent or guardian of the individual to whom the background check relates to an application for a background check;\n (ii) the making of applications for a background check on behalf of the individual to whom the background check relates by a parent or guardian of the individual;\n (c) the making of applications for a background check by a person other than the individual to whom the background check relates, with the consent of any one or more of the following:\n (i) the individual;\n (ii) a parent or guardian of the individual;\n (d) the information that is to be contained in an application for a background check;\n (e) the giving to the Secretary of information, relating to an individual in respect of whom a background check is conducted, that is directly necessary for the purpose of conducting the background check;\n (f) the criteria against which a background check is to be assessed;\n (g) the decision or decisions that may be made as a result of a background check;\n (h) the form of advice to be given to an applicant for a background check;\n (i) the form of advice to be given to an individual in respect of whom a background check is conducted;\n (j) the form of advice to be given to other persons about the outcome of a background check.\n (2) The matters referred to in subsection (1) may relate to:\n (a) all background checks to be conducted for the purposes of paragraph 8(1)(e); or\n (b) a specified class of background checks.","sortOrder":14},{"sectionNumber":"10A","sectionType":"section","heading":"Matters covered by AusCheck scheme—online verification service","content":"#### 10A Matters covered by AusCheck scheme—online verification service\n\n The AusCheck scheme may make provision for and in relation to matters relating to the establishment and provision of an online verification service that will enable verification:\n (a) that an ASIC or MSIC has been issued to a particular individual and is in effect at a particular time; or\n (b) that an individual who is in possession of an ASIC or MSIC is the person to whom the card was issued; or\n (c) that a national security background check has been conducted in relation to a particular individual; or\n (d) that an individual who is in possession of a card, licence, permit or other authorisation in relation to which a national security background check has been conducted is the individual to whom the card, licence, permit or authorisation was issued.","sortOrder":15},{"sectionNumber":"10B","sectionType":"section","heading":"Matters covered by AusCheck scheme—firearms background checks","content":"#### 10B Matters covered by AusCheck scheme—firearms background checks\n\n (1) The AusCheck scheme may, for the purposes of paragraph 8(1)(f), make provision for and in relation to any of the following:\n (a) the making of an application for a firearms background check by a firearms licensing authority, a law enforcement agency or a national security agency;\n (b) the information that is to be contained in an application for a firearms background check (including in relation to consent for the check);\n (c) the manner for conducting a firearms background check;\n (d) the criteria against which an application for a firearms background check is to be assessed;\n (e) the form of advice to be given to the applicant for a firearms background check;\n (f) the form of advice to be given to other persons about the status or outcome of a firearms background check (including any conditions relating to the advice being provided to other persons);\n (g) any other matter relating to a firearms background check.\n (2) The matters referred to in subsection (1) may relate to:\n (a) all firearms background checks to be conducted for the purposes of paragraph 8(1)(f); or\n (b) a specified class or specified classes of such background checks.\n (3) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(b), without limiting that paragraph, an individual is taken to have given consent to another person making an application for a firearms background check of the individual if:\n (a) the individual has applied for a firearms licence (whether immediately before the firearms background check or at any previous time); and\n (b) before making the application for the firearms licence, the individual was advised by the person to whom that application was made, in accordance with the requirements (if any) specified in the regulations, that a firearms background check:\n (i) was a precondition to the issuing of the licence; and\n (ii) may be conducted at any time that the licence is in force.","sortOrder":16},{"sectionNumber":"11","sectionType":"section","heading":"Secretary may give directions under AusCheck scheme","content":"#### 11 Secretary may give directions under AusCheck scheme\n\n (1) The AusCheck scheme may empower the Secretary to give directions to an applicant for a background check, or to a person who is required or permitted to take action relating to matters connected with a background check.\n Directions about advising whether licence etc. has been issued to individual\n (2) Without limiting subsection (1), the AusCheck scheme may empower the Secretary to direct a person to advise the Secretary whether or not a licence, permit or other authorisation has been issued to an individual in respect of whom a background check has been conducted.\n Directions in connection with background checks required or permitted under the regulations—charges for serious offences\n (3) Without limiting subsection (1), the AusCheck scheme may empower the Secretary to give one or more of the following kinds of direction if the Secretary considers on reasonable grounds that an individual has been charged with a serious offence:\n (a) a direction to an issuing body to delay considering an application for an ASIC or MSIC to be issued to the individual until further direction from the Secretary in accordance with subsection (4);\n (c) a direction to an issuing body to suspend an ASIC or MSIC issued by the issuing body to the individual until further direction from the Secretary in accordance with subsection (4).\n Giving further directions referred to in subsection (3)\n (4) The Secretary:\n (a) must give the further direction referred to in subsection (3) to the relevant person as soon as practicable after the Secretary considers that:\n (i) all charges for serious offences have been resolved in relation to the individual; and\n (ii) a background check has been conducted covering the matter referred to in paragraph 5(a) (criminal history) after subparagraph (i) is satisfied, whether or not the background check also covers other matters; and\n (b) may give the further direction at any time before paragraph (a) applies.\n Directions under subsection (3) to suspend ASICs or MSICs—other cards also taken to be suspended\n (5) If an ASIC or MSIC is suspended as referred to in paragraph (3)(c), then any other card issued to the individual under the Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005 or the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Regulations 2003 is taken also to be suspended.\n Other matters connected with giving directions under subsection (3)\n (6) The AusCheck scheme may make provision for matters connected with the giving of a direction under subsection (3), including the following:\n (a) preventing the individual from making any other application under the Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005 or the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Regulations 2003, or entering any area or zone to which access is restricted under those regulations, until after the further direction referred to in subsection (3) has been given;\n (b) preventing an issuing body or other person from issuing any card to the individual under those regulations until after the further direction referred to in subsection (3) has been given;\n (c) preventing a person from escorting the individual in any area or zone to which access is restricted under those regulations until after the further direction referred to in subsection (3) has been given;\n (d) returning a suspended card issued to the individual under those regulations to a specified person;\n (e) updating registers of cards and other records kept by an issuing body;\n (f) an issuing body or the Secretary notifying other persons of matters in connection with the giving of the direction, for the purpose of preventing:\n (i) an unlawful interference with aviation (within the meaning of the Aviation Transport Security Act 2004); or\n (ii) an unlawful interference with maritime transport or offshore facilities (within the meaning of the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003); or\n (iii) the commission of an offence against a law of the Commonwealth or a State or Territory; or\n (iv) an incident that poses a threat to national security.","sortOrder":17},{"sectionNumber":"12","sectionType":"section","heading":"Delegation by Secretary","content":"#### 12 Delegation by Secretary\n\n (1) The Secretary may, by writing, delegate any or all of the Secretary’s functions and powers under the AusCheck scheme:\n (a) to an SES employee, or acting SES employee, in the Department; or\n (b) to an APS employee who holds, or is acting in, an Executive Level 2, or equivalent, position in the Department.\n\n> Note: The expressions APS employee, SES employee and acting SES employee are defined in section 2B of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.\n\n (2) In exercising powers or functions under a delegation, the delegate must comply with any directions of the Secretary.","sortOrder":18},{"sectionNumber":"Part 3","sectionType":"part","heading":"Information management","content":"An Act to provide a regulatory framework for coordinating and conducting centralised criminal, security and other background checking, and for related purposes\n\n## Part 1—Preliminary\n\n#### 1 Short title\n\n This Act may be cited as the AusCheck Act 2007.\n\n#### 2 Commencement\n\n This Act commences on the day after it receives the Royal Assent.\n\n#### 3 Object of Act\n\n The object of this Act is to provide a regulatory framework for coordinating and conducting certain criminal, security and other background checking.\n\n#### 4 Definitions\n\n (1) In this Act:\n\n> ASIC (short for aviation security identification card) has the same meaning as in the Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005.\n\n> AusCheck database means the database referred to in section 14.\n\n> AusCheck scheme means the scheme prescribed for the purposes of section 8.\n\n> AusCheck scheme personal information means personal information:\n\n (a) that is obtained under the AusCheck scheme; or\n (b) that relates to the administration of the AusCheck scheme; or\n (c) that is obtained before the commencement of Schedule 1 to the AusCheck Amendment (Global Entry Program) Act 2025 by an agency (within the meaning of the Privacy Act 1988) for the purposes of conducting (whether before or after that commencement) a background check in connection with an individual’s participation in the Global Entry program.\n\n> AusCheck staff member means:\n\n (a) an APS employee who performs functions relating to, or for the purposes of, the AusCheck scheme; or\n (b) a person engaged as a consultant or contractor to perform functions relating to, or for the purposes of, the AusCheck scheme.\n\n> Note: For the definition of APS employee, see section 2B of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.\n\n> aviation‑security‑relevant offence has the same meaning as in the Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005.\n\n> CEO of ACIC means the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission established by the Australian Crime Commission Act 2002.\n\n> charged: an individual is charged with a serious offence if an information is laid against the individual for the offence, whether or not:\n\n (a) a summons to require the attendance of the individual to answer the information has been issued; or\n (b) a warrant for the arrest of the individual has been issued.\n\n> Commonwealth authority means a body (whether incorporated or not) established for a public purpose by or under a law of the Commonwealth.\n\n> critical infrastructure risk management program has the same meaning as in the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018.\n\n> Defence Force magistrate has the same meaning as in the Defence Force Discipline Act 1982.\n\n> firearms background check means a background check conducted under regulations made for the purposes of paragraph 8(1)(f).\n\n> firearms licensing authority has the meaning given by regulations made for the purposes of this definition.\n\n> Global Entry program means the trusted traveller program of the Government of the United States of America, known as the Global Entry program, that enables expedited immigration and customs clearance for individuals entering the United States of America and that is open to Australian citizens.\n\n> identity verification information, in relation to an individual, means personal information consisting of the individual’s fingerprints or other biometric data about the individual, but does not include a photograph of the individual.\n\n> issuing body means:\n\n (a) an issuing body within the meaning of the Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005; or\n (b) an issuing body within the meaning of the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Regulations 2003.\n\n> law enforcement agency means an authority of the Commonwealth, or an authority of a State or Territory, that has functions relating to law enforcement.\n\n> major national event has the meaning given by section 5A.\n\n> maritime‑security‑relevant offence has the same meaning as in the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Regulations 2003.\n\n> MSIC (short for maritime security identification card) has the same meaning as in the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Regulations 2003.\n\n> national security agency means:\n\n (a) the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation; or\n (b) the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission established by the Australian Crime Commission Act 2002; or\n (c) any other agency of the Commonwealth prescribed by the regulations.\n\n> national security background check, in relation to an individual, means a background check conducted in relation to the individual under an Act or legislative instrument referred to in subparagraph 8(1)(b)(i) or (ii) for a purpose referred to in paragraph 8(2)(a), (b), (c), or (d).\n\n> permanent resident means a person:\n\n (a) who is not an Australian citizen; and\n (b) whose normal place of residence is situated in Australia; and\n (c) whose presence in Australia is not subject to any limitation as to time imposed by law; and\n (d) who is not an unlawful non‑citizen.\n\n> personal information has the same meaning as in the Privacy Act 1988.\n\n> resolved: for when a charge for a serious offence is resolved in relation to an individual, see subsection (3).\n\n> Schedule 1A offence has the same meaning as in the Defence Force Discipline Act 1982.\n\n> Secretary means the Secretary of the Department.\n\n> serious offence:\n\n (a) in relation to an applicant for, or holder of, an ASIC—means an aviation‑security‑relevant offence of a kind specified in the regulations for the purposes of this paragraph; and\n (b) in relation to an applicant for, or holder of, an MSIC—means a maritime‑security‑relevant offence of a kind specified in the regulations for the purposes of this paragraph.\n\n> service offence has the same meaning as in the Defence Force Discipline Act 1982.\n\n> State or Territory authority means a body (whether incorporated or not) established for a public purpose by or under a law of a State or Territory.\n\n> unlawful non‑citizen has the same meaning as in the Migration Act 1958.\n\n Meaning of personal information\n (2) To avoid doubt:\n\n> personal information, in relation to an individual, includes the following:\n\n (a) the number of an ASIC or MSIC issued to the individual;\n (b) any other identifier assigned to the individual;\n (c) a photograph of the individual.\n When a charge is resolved\n (3) For the purposes of this Act, a charge for a serious offence is resolved in relation to an individual if the charge is finally dealt with in any of the following ways:\n (a) the charge is withdrawn;\n (b) the charge is dismissed by a court;\n (c) the individual is discharged by a court following a committal hearing;\n (d) the individual is acquitted of the offence by a court;\n (e) the individual is found guilty of the offence and a court:\n (i) sentences the person for the offence; or\n (ii) makes an order relating to the offence under section 19B of the Crimes Act 1914, or a corresponding provision of a law of a State or Territory.\n\n#### 5 Definition of background check\n\n A background check, in relation to an individual, is an assessment of information relating to one or more of the following:\n (a) the individual’s criminal history;\n (aa) if required or permitted under a regulation made under subsection 8(3):\n (i) whether the individual has been charged with a serious offence; or\n (ii) whether a charge for a serious offence has been resolved in relation to the individual;\n (b) matters relevant to a security assessment (as defined in subsection 35(1) of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979) of the individual;\n (ba) if the background check is conducted for the purposes of paragraph 8(1)(a) or (f)—matters relevant to a criminal intelligence assessment (within the meaning of Part III of the Australian Crime Commission Act 2002) of the individual;\n (bb) if the background check is conducted for the purposes of paragraph 8(1)(e)—whether a court martial or a Defence Force magistrate:\n (i) has convicted the individual of a service offence (other than a Schedule 1A offence); or\n (ii) has convicted the individual of a Schedule 1A offence and imposed a punishment of imprisonment on the individual;\n (c) the individual’s citizenship status, residency status or the individual’s entitlement to work in Australia, including but not limited to, whether the person is an Australian citizen, a permanent resident or an unlawful non‑citizen;\n (d) the identity of the individual.\n\n#### 5A Declaration of major national events\n\n (1) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, declare that a specified event is a major national event for the purposes of this Act.\n (2) The Minister must not make a declaration under subsection (1) in relation to an event unless the Minister is satisfied that it is in the national interest that the Commonwealth be involved in the conduct and coordination of background checks in connection with the accreditation of individuals in relation to the event.\n (3) In considering whether to make a declaration under subsection (1) in relation to an event, the Minister may have regard to:\n (a) the significance of the event; and\n (b) the need (if any) to coordinate security arrangements in relation to the event with one or more States or Territories or one or more foreign governments; and\n (c) any risk assessment relating to the event; and\n (d) the potential impact of any security incident relating to the event on Australia’s reputation; and\n (e) the anticipated attendees at the event; and\n (f) any other matter the Minister considers relevant.\n\n#### 6 Crown to be bound\n\n (1) This Act binds the Crown in each of its capacities.\n (2) This Act does not make the Crown liable to be prosecuted for an offence.\n\n#### 7 Extension to external Territories\n\n This Act extends to every external Territory.\n\n## Part 2—Establishment of AusCheck scheme\n\n#### 8 Establishment of AusCheck scheme\n\n (1) The regulations may provide for the establishment of a scheme (the AusCheck scheme) relating to the conduct and coordination of background checks of individuals if:\n (a) any of the following laws requires or permits a background check to be conducted of an individual for specified purposes:\n (i) the Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 or regulations under that Act;\n (ii) the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003 or regulations under that Act; or\n (b) any other Act (other than this Act) expressly:\n (i) requires or permits a background check of an individual to be conducted under the AusCheck scheme for purposes specified in the Act; or\n (ii) provides for the making of a legislative instrument requiring or permitting a background check of an individual to be conducted under the AusCheck scheme for purposes specified in the Act; or\n (ba) a critical infrastructure risk management program permits a background check of an individual to be conducted under the AusCheck scheme; or\n (c) a regulation made under subsection (3) requires or permits a background check to be conducted of an individual; or\n (d) the check is of an individual in connection with the accreditation of the individual in relation to a major national event; or\n (e) the check is of an individual in connection with the individual’s participation in the Global Entry program; or\n (f) the check is of an individual in connection with any of the following:\n (i) a decision under a law of a State or Territory about whether to issue a firearms licence to the individual or otherwise relating to the issue of such a licence (including in relation to conditions);\n (ii) a decision about whether to renew, revoke, vary or suspend a licence mentioned in subparagraph (i);\n (iii) in relation to an individual who holds a firearms licence—an application by a law enforcement agency or a national security agency.\n National security background checks\n (2) If paragraph (1)(b) applies, the background check must be conducted for purposes related to:\n (a) Australia’s national security; or\n (b) the defence of Australia; or\n (c) a national emergency; or\n (d) the prevention of conduct to which Part 5.3, 5.3A or 5.5 of Chapter 5 of the Criminal Code (which deal with terrorism, foreign incursions and recruitment) applies.\n Background checks in connection with major national events\n (2A) If paragraph (1)(d) applies, the background check must be conducted:\n (a) for purposes related to matters that are peculiarly adapted to the government of a nation and that cannot otherwise be carried on for the benefit of the nation; or\n (b) for purposes involving, or for purposes related to, the collection and transmission of information by a communication using a postal, telegraphic, telephonic or other like service; or\n (c) in, or for purposes related to, a Territory; or\n (d) in or with respect to a Commonwealth place (within the meaning of the Commonwealth Places (Application of Laws) Act 1970); or\n (e) in the course of, or for purposes related to, trade or commerce with other countries, and among the States; or\n (f) in relation to a person who is an employee of, an office holder in, or otherwise connected with, a corporation to which paragraph 51(xx) of the Constitution applies, where the results of the check are relevant to:\n (i) the relationship between the person and the corporation; or\n (ii) the protection of the corporation; or\n (iii) the activities of the corporation; or\n (g) for purposes related to external affairs; or\n (h) for purposes related to the background checking of, or the protection of, aliens; or\n (i) for purposes related to:\n (i) Australia’s national security; or\n (ii) the defence of Australia; or\n (iii) a national emergency; or\n (iv) the prevention of conduct to which Part 5.3, 5.3A or 5.5 of the Criminal Code applies; or\n (j) by way of the provision of a service, for a purpose of the Commonwealth, to:\n (i) the Commonwealth; or\n (ii) an authority of the Commonwealth; or\n (k) for purposes related to matters incidental to the execution of any of the legislative powers of the Parliament or the executive power of the Commonwealth.\n Background checks required or permitted under the regulations—charges for serious offences\n (3) The regulations may require or permit a background check covering a matter referred to in paragraph 5(a), (aa) or (d) to be conducted in relation to an individual if:\n (a) one of the following applies:\n (i) the individual has applied to an issuing body for an ASIC or MSIC, and the issuing body has neither issued, nor refused to issue, the ASIC or MSIC;\n (ii) the individual or an issuing body has applied under regulations made under the Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 or the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003 for approval to issue an ASIC or MSIC to the individual, and the application has not been determined;\n (iii) the individual is the holder of an ASIC or MSIC;\n (iv) the individual or an issuing body has applied under regulations made under either of those Acts to set aside the cancellation of an ASIC or MSIC issued to the individual;\n (v) the individual has applied to the Administrative Review Tribunal for review of a decision made under regulations made under either of those Acts, or a decision made under the AusCheck scheme, relating to the issue, suspension or cancellation of an ASIC or MSIC, and the application has not been determined; and\n (b) the Secretary considers on reasonable grounds that:\n (i) the individual has been charged with a serious offence; or\n (ii) a charge for a serious offence has been resolved in relation to the individual.\n\n> Note: The matters referred to in paragraphs 5(a), (aa) and (d) cover the individual’s criminal history, whether the individual has been charged with a serious offence or has had a charge for such an offence resolved, and the individual’s identity.\n\n (4) A regulation made under subsection (3) may only require or permit a background check to be conducted for purposes related to determining whether it is appropriate for the individual to enter any area or zone to which access is restricted under:\n (a) the Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 or regulations under that Act; or\n (b) the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003 or regulations under that Act.\n Firearms background checks\n (4A) If paragraph (1)(f) applies, a firearms background check of an individual may only take into account one or more of the following:\n (a) an assessment by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation of the individual under the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979;\n (b) a criminal intelligence assessment (within the meaning of Part III of the Australian Crime Commission Act 2002) of the individual under that Act;\n (c) the citizenship status of the individual.\n Definitions\n (5) A term used in subsection (2A) and the Constitution has the same meaning in that subsection as it has in the Constitution.\n\n#### 9 Matters covered by AusCheck scheme—background checks required or permitted other than under regulations made under this Act\n\n (1) The AusCheck scheme may, for the purposes of paragraphs 8(1)(a) and (b), make provision for and in relation to the following:\n (a) the making of applications for a background check by the individual to whom the background check relates;\n (b) the making of applications for a background check by a person other than the individual to whom the background check relates, with the consent of the individual to whom the background check relates;\n (c) the information that is to be contained in an application for a background check;\n (d) the criteria against which an application for a background check is to be assessed;\n (e) the decision or decisions that may be made as a result of an application for a background check;\n (f) the form of advice to be given to the applicant for a background check;\n (g) the form of advice to be given to an individual in respect of whom a background check is conducted;\n (h) the form of advice to be given to other persons about the outcome of a background check.\n (2) The matters referred to in subsection (1) may relate to:\n (a) all background checks to be conducted for the purposes of paragraphs 8(1)(a) and (b); or\n (b) a specified class of background checks.\n (3) Without limiting the way in which a class of background checks may be described for the purposes of subsection (2), a class may be described by reference to a specified legislative or non‑legislative scheme, a specified law of the Commonwealth, specified provisions of a law of the Commonwealth or specified purposes.\n (4) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(b), an individual is taken to have given consent to another person making an application for a background check in relation to the individual if:\n (a) the individual has applied for:\n (i) an ASIC or MSIC; or\n (iii) any other card, licence, permit or authorisation; and\n (b) before making the application referred to in paragraph (a), the individual was advised by the person to whom that application was made, in accordance with the requirements (if any) specified in the regulations, that a background check was a precondition to:\n (i) the issuing of the card, licence, permit or authorisation; or\n (ii) if the background check is required or permitted to be conducted as referred to in paragraph 8(1)(a) in a particular circumstance—the individual’s continuing eligibility to hold the card in that circumstance.\n\n#### 10 Matters covered by AusCheck scheme—background checks required or permitted under regulations made under this Act\n\n (1) The AusCheck scheme may, for the purposes of paragraph 8(1)(c), make provision for and in relation to the following:\n (a) the giving to the Secretary of information, relating to an individual in respect of whom a background check is conducted, that is directly necessary for the purpose of conducting the background check;\n (b) the criteria against which a background check is to be assessed;\n (c) the decision or decisions that may be made as a result of a background check;\n (d) the form of advice to be given to an individual in respect of whom a background check is conducted;\n (e) the form of advice to be given to other persons about the outcome of a background check.\n (2) The matters referred to in subsection (1) may relate to:\n (a) all background checks to be conducted for the purposes of paragraph 8(1)(c); or\n (b) a specified class of background checks.\n (3) The AusCheck scheme may, for the purposes of paragraph 8(1)(c), make provision for and in relation to an individual or an issuing body notifying the Secretary of specified matters if:\n (a) one of the following applies:\n (i) the individual has applied to an issuing body for an ASIC or MSIC, and the issuing body has neither issued, nor refused to issue, the ASIC or MSIC;\n (ii) the individual or an issuing body has applied under regulations made under the Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 or the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003 for approval to issue an ASIC or MSIC to the individual, and the application has not been determined;\n (iii) the individual is the holder of an ASIC or MSIC;\n (iv) the individual or an issuing body has applied under regulations made under either of those Acts to set aside the cancellation of an ASIC or MSIC issued to the individual;\n (v) the individual has applied to the Administrative Review Tribunal for review of a decision made under regulations made under either of those Acts, or a decision made under the AusCheck scheme, relating to the issue, suspension or cancellation of an ASIC or MSIC, and the application has not been determined; and\n (b) the individual has been charged with a serious offence, or a charge for a serious offence has been resolved in relation to the individual; and\n (c) in the case of an issuing body:\n (i) the individual applied to the issuing body for the ASIC or MSIC; or\n (ii) the issuing body issued the ASIC or MSIC to the individual.\n\n#### 10AA Matters covered by the AusCheck scheme—background checks in connection with major national events\n\n (1) The AusCheck scheme may, for the purposes of paragraph 8(1)(d), make provision for and in relation to any of the following:\n (a) the giving to the Secretary of information, relating to an individual in respect of whom a background check is conducted, that is directly necessary for the purpose of conducting the background check;\n (b) the criteria against which a background check is to be assessed;\n (c) the decision or decisions that may be made as a result of a background check;\n (d) the form of advice to be given to an individual in respect of whom a background check is conducted;\n (e) the form of advice to be given to other persons about the outcome of a background check.\n (2) The matters referred to in subsection (1) may relate to:\n (a) all background checks to be conducted for the purposes of paragraph 8(1)(d); or\n (b) a specified class of background checks.\n\n#### 10AB Matters covered by AusCheck Scheme—background checks in connection with the Global Entry program\n\n (1) The AusCheck scheme may, for the purposes of paragraph 8(1)(e), make provision for and in relation to any of the following:\n (a) the making of applications for a background check by the individual to whom the background check relates;\n (b) except for a background check in relation to an individual who has turned 18—either or both of the following:\n (i) consent by a parent or guardian of the individual to whom the background check relates to an application for a background check;\n (ii) the making of applications for a background check on behalf of the individual to whom the background check relates by a parent or guardian of the individual;\n (c) the making of applications for a background check by a person other than the individual to whom the background check relates, with the consent of any one or more of the following:\n (i) the individual;\n (ii) a parent or guardian of the individual;\n (d) the information that is to be contained in an application for a background check;\n (e) the giving to the Secretary of information, relating to an individual in respect of whom a background check is conducted, that is directly necessary for the purpose of conducting the background check;\n (f) the criteria against which a background check is to be assessed;\n (g) the decision or decisions that may be made as a result of a background check;\n (h) the form of advice to be given to an applicant for a background check;\n (i) the form of advice to be given to an individual in respect of whom a background check is conducted;\n (j) the form of advice to be given to other persons about the outcome of a background check.\n (2) The matters referred to in subsection (1) may relate to:\n (a) all background checks to be conducted for the purposes of paragraph 8(1)(e); or\n (b) a specified class of background checks.\n\n#### 10A Matters covered by AusCheck scheme—online verification service\n\n The AusCheck scheme may make provision for and in relation to matters relating to the establishment and provision of an online verification service that will enable verification:\n (a) that an ASIC or MSIC has been issued to a particular individual and is in effect at a particular time; or\n (b) that an individual who is in possession of an ASIC or MSIC is the person to whom the card was issued; or\n (c) that a national security background check has been conducted in relation to a particular individual; or\n (d) that an individual who is in possession of a card, licence, permit or other authorisation in relation to which a national security background check has been conducted is the individual to whom the card, licence, permit or authorisation was issued.\n\n#### 10B Matters covered by AusCheck scheme—firearms background checks\n\n (1) The AusCheck scheme may, for the purposes of paragraph 8(1)(f), make provision for and in relation to any of the following:\n (a) the making of an application for a firearms background check by a firearms licensing authority, a law enforcement agency or a national security agency;\n (b) the information that is to be contained in an application for a firearms background check (including in relation to consent for the check);\n (c) the manner for conducting a firearms background check;\n (d) the criteria against which an application for a firearms background check is to be assessed;\n (e) the form of advice to be given to the applicant for a firearms background check;\n (f) the form of advice to be given to other persons about the status or outcome of a firearms background check (including any conditions relating to the advice being provided to other persons);\n (g) any other matter relating to a firearms background check.\n (2) The matters referred to in subsection (1) may relate to:\n (a) all firearms background checks to be conducted for the purposes of paragraph 8(1)(f); or\n (b) a specified class or specified classes of such background checks.\n (3) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(b), without limiting that paragraph, an individual is taken to have given consent to another person making an application for a firearms background check of the individual if:\n (a) the individual has applied for a firearms licence (whether immediately before the firearms background check or at any previous time); and\n (b) before making the application for the firearms licence, the individual was advised by the person to whom that application was made, in accordance with the requirements (if any) specified in the regulations, that a firearms background check:\n (i) was a precondition to the issuing of the licence; and\n (ii) may be conducted at any time that the licence is in force.\n\n#### 11 Secretary may give directions under AusCheck scheme\n\n (1) The AusCheck scheme may empower the Secretary to give directions to an applicant for a background check, or to a person who is required or permitted to take action relating to matters connected with a background check.\n Directions about advising whether licence etc. has been issued to individual\n (2) Without limiting subsection (1), the AusCheck scheme may empower the Secretary to direct a person to advise the Secretary whether or not a licence, permit or other authorisation has been issued to an individual in respect of whom a background check has been conducted.\n Directions in connection with background checks required or permitted under the regulations—charges for serious offences\n (3) Without limiting subsection (1), the AusCheck scheme may empower the Secretary to give one or more of the following kinds of direction if the Secretary considers on reasonable grounds that an individual has been charged with a serious offence:\n (a) a direction to an issuing body to delay considering an application for an ASIC or MSIC to be issued to the individual until further direction from the Secretary in accordance with subsection (4);\n (c) a direction to an issuing body to suspend an ASIC or MSIC issued by the issuing body to the individual until further direction from the Secretary in accordance with subsection (4).\n Giving further directions referred to in subsection (3)\n (4) The Secretary:\n (a) must give the further direction referred to in subsection (3) to the relevant person as soon as practicable after the Secretary considers that:\n (i) all charges for serious offences have been resolved in relation to the individual; and\n (ii) a background check has been conducted covering the matter referred to in paragraph 5(a) (criminal history) after subparagraph (i) is satisfied, whether or not the background check also covers other matters; and\n (b) may give the further direction at any time before paragraph (a) applies.\n Directions under subsection (3) to suspend ASICs or MSICs—other cards also taken to be suspended\n (5) If an ASIC or MSIC is suspended as referred to in paragraph (3)(c), then any other card issued to the individual under the Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005 or the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Regulations 2003 is taken also to be suspended.\n Other matters connected with giving directions under subsection (3)\n (6) The AusCheck scheme may make provision for matters connected with the giving of a direction under subsection (3), including the following:\n (a) preventing the individual from making any other application under the Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005 or the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Regulations 2003, or entering any area or zone to which access is restricted under those regulations, until after the further direction referred to in subsection (3) has been given;\n (b) preventing an issuing body or other person from issuing any card to the individual under those regulations until after the further direction referred to in subsection (3) has been given;\n (c) preventing a person from escorting the individual in any area or zone to which access is restricted under those regulations until after the further direction referred to in subsection (3) has been given;\n (d) returning a suspended card issued to the individual under those regulations to a specified person;\n (e) updating registers of cards and other records kept by an issuing body;\n (f) an issuing body or the Secretary notifying other persons of matters in connection with the giving of the direction, for the purpose of preventing:\n (i) an unlawful interference with aviation (within the meaning of the Aviation Transport Security Act 2004); or\n (ii) an unlawful interference with maritime transport or offshore facilities (within the meaning of the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003); or\n (iii) the commission of an offence against a law of the Commonwealth or a State or Territory; or\n (iv) an incident that poses a threat to national security.\n\n#### 12 Delegation by Secretary\n\n (1) The Secretary may, by writing, delegate any or all of the Secretary’s functions and powers under the AusCheck scheme:\n (a) to an SES employee, or acting SES employee, in the Department; or\n (b) to an APS employee who holds, or is acting in, an Executive Level 2, or equivalent, position in the Department.\n\n> Note: The expressions APS employee, SES employee and acting SES employee are defined in section 2B of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.\n\n (2) In exercising powers or functions under a delegation, the delegate must comply with any directions of the Secretary.\n\n## Part 3—Information management\n\n### Division 1—Collection, retention, use and disclosure of information\n\n#### 13 Authorisation of information collection, use and disclosure\n\n Collection, use and disclosure of personal information other than identity verification information\n (1) Subject to subsection (3), the collection, use and disclosure of personal information (other than identity verification information) about an individual is taken to be authorised by this Act for the purposes of the Privacy Act 1988 if:\n (aa) the collection, use or disclosure is for the purposes of, or for purposes directly relating to, determining whether a background check under the AusCheck scheme is required or permitted to be conducted in respect of a particular individual; or\n (a) the collection, use or disclosure is for the purposes of, or for purposes directly relating to, conducting a background check or advising on the status or outcome of a background check in respect of the individual under the AusCheck scheme; or\n (b) the collection, use or disclosure is for the purposes of updating information held by the Secretary in respect of an individual in respect of whom a background check has been conducted under the AusCheck scheme; or\n (c) the collection, use or disclosure is for the purposes of providing an online verification service that will enable verification:\n (i) that an ASIC or MSIC has been issued to a particular individual and is in effect at a particular time; or\n (ii) that an individual who is in possession of an ASIC or MSIC is the person to whom the card was issued; or\n (iii) that a national security background check has been conducted under the AusCheck scheme in relation to a particular individual; or\n (iv) that an individual who is in possession of a card, licence, permit or other authorisation in relation to which a national security background check has been conducted under the AusCheck scheme is the individual to whom the card, licence, permit or authorisation was issued.\n Collection, use and disclosure of identity verification information\n (2) The collection, use and disclosure of identity verification information about an individual is taken to be authorised by this Act for the purposes of the Privacy Act 1988 if:\n (a) the collection, use or disclosure is directly necessary for the purpose of verifying the identity of an individual in respect of whom a background check is being or has been conducted under the AusCheck scheme; and\n (b) for a use or disclosure—the information is only used or disclosed to the extent necessary for the purpose mentioned in paragraph (a).\n Application of section in relation to firearms background checks\n (3) This section applies in relation to information (other than identity verification information) collected about an individual for the purposes of a firearms background check only if the individual is, or has been, the subject of the firearms background check.\n\n#### 14 Authorisation of retention and subsequent use and disclosure of information\n\n Establishment of AusCheck database\n (1) The Secretary may establish and maintain a database (the AusCheck database) of information (other than identity verification information) that relates to the AusCheck scheme.\n\n> Note: For information collected for the purposes of a firearms background check, see subsection (4).\n\n Use and disclosure of AusCheck personal information other than identity verification information\n (2) AusCheck scheme personal information about an individual (other than identity verification information):\n (a) may be included in the AusCheck database; and\n (b) may be used or disclosed for the following purposes:\n (i) carrying out a subsequent background check in relation to the individual under the AusCheck scheme;\n (ia) monitoring and enforcing compliance with a requirement under the AusCheck scheme, the Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005 or the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Regulations 2003 to notify a Secretary of a Department of a specified matter;\n (ii) responding to an incident that poses a threat to national security;\n (iii) the performance of functions relating to law enforcement or national security by the Commonwealth or a Commonwealth authority;\n (iiia) the performance of functions relating to law enforcement or national security by a State or Territory or a State or Territory authority;\n (iv) without limiting subparagraph (iii) or (iiia)—determining whether any individual referred to in paragraph 8(3)(a) has been charged with a serious offence, or whether a charge for a serious offence has been resolved in relation to any such individual.\n (2A) AusCheck scheme personal information about an individual (other than identity verification information) may also be used or disclosed for the purpose of verifying:\n (a) that an ASIC or MSIC has been issued to a particular individual and is in effect at a particular time; or\n (b) that an individual who is in possession of an ASIC or MSIC is the person to whom the card was issued; or\n (c) that a national security background check has been conducted in relation to a particular individual; or\n (d) that an individual who is in possession of a card, licence, permit or other authorisation in relation to which a national security background check has been conducted is the individual to whom the card, licence, permit or authorisation was issued.\n Use and disclosure of AusCheck scheme personal information that is identity verification information\n (2AB) AusCheck scheme personal information about an individual that is identity verification information may be used or disclosed for the purpose of verifying the identity of the individual if a subsequent background check is being conducted in respect of the individual under the AusCheck scheme.\n (2B) AusCheck scheme personal information used or disclosed for the purpose mentioned in subsection (2A) or (2AB) must be limited to personal information of a kind directly necessary for that purpose, and must only be used or disclosed to the extent necessary for that purpose.\n (3) AusCheck scheme personal information included in the AusCheck database may be used in such a way that de‑identified information derived from the AusCheck scheme personal information can be used and disclosed for the following purposes:\n (a) research;\n (b) government planning;\n (c) industry planning.\n Application of section in relation to firearms background checks\n (4) This section applies in relation to information (other than identity verification information) collected about an individual for the purposes of a firearms background check only if the individual is, or has been, the subject of the firearms background check.\n\n#### 14A Special rule relating to collection, retention, use and disclosure of identity verification information by AusCheck staff members\n\n Despite sections 13 and 14, those sections only authorise the collection, retention, use and disclosure by the Secretary or an AusCheck staff member of identity verification information about an individual in relation to whom a background check is being or has been conducted, if the collection, retention, use or disclosure is directly necessary for the purpose of:\n (a) passing the information to a Commonwealth, State or Territory body, agency or organisation that is responsible for, or deals with, law enforcement, criminal intelligence, criminal investigation, fraud or security intelligence in, or in a part of, Australia for the purpose of that body, agency or organisation verifying the identity of the individual for the purposes of the background check; or\n (b) providing the information to the individual.\n\n### Division 2—Protection of information\n\n#### 15 Protection of information\n\n (1) A person commits an offence if:\n (a) the person is or was an AusCheck staff member; and\n (b) when the person is or was an AusCheck staff member, the person obtained information relating to the AusCheck scheme; and\n (c) the person discloses the information to someone else.\n\nPenalty: Imprisonment for 2 years.\n\n (1A) A person commits an offence if:\n (a) the person obtains information; and\n (b) the information is AusCheck scheme personal information; and\n (c) the person discloses the information to someone else.\n\nPenalty: Imprisonment for 2 years.\n\n (2) Each of the following is an exception to subsection (1) or (1A):\n (a) a disclosure for the purposes of the AusCheck scheme;\n (b) if the information is AusCheck scheme personal information—a disclosure with the consent of the individual to whom the AusCheck scheme personal information relates;\n (c) if the information is AusCheck scheme personal information—a disclosure to the individual to whom the AusCheck scheme personal information relates;\n (ca) if the information is AusCheck scheme personal information—a disclosure that is:\n (i) taken to be authorised under section 13; or\n (ii) authorised under section 14; or\n (iii) required or authorised by or under another law;\n (d) a disclosure to the Australian Federal Police for the purposes of the AusCheck scheme;\n (e) if the information is AusCheck scheme personal information—a disclosure to an officer of customs (within the meaning of the Customs Act 1901) for the purposes of assisting in the performance of the officer’s functions, or the exercise of the officer’s powers, under that Act.\n\n> Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to a matter in subsection (2) (see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code).\n\n (3) If a disclosure of information is covered by subsection (2), the disclosure is authorised by this section.\n (4) A person who is or was an AusCheck staff member is not to be required to disclose information relating to the AusCheck scheme to a court, except:\n (a) where it is necessary to do so for the purposes of giving effect to this Act or the AusCheck scheme; or\n (b) for the purposes of a criminal proceeding for an offence against this Act or regulations under this Act (including a proceeding to determine whether a person should be tried for an offence).\n For this purpose, court includes any tribunal, authority or person having power to require the production of documents or the answering of questions.\n (5) In this section:\n\n> information includes, but is not limited to, AusCheck scheme personal information.\n\n## Part 4—Transitional provision in relation to information collected before commencement\n\n#### 16 Authorisation of use and disclosure of personal information collected for specified purposes\n\n (1) This section applies to personal information about an individual that was collected before the commencement of this section by an agency or organisation (within the meaning of the Privacy Act 1988) for the purposes of conducting background checking under:\n (a) the Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 or regulations under that Act; or\n (b) the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003 or regulations under that Act.\n (2) The disclosure of the personal information to an AusCheck staff member, and the use and disclosure of the personal information by an AusCheck staff member, is taken to be authorised by this Act for the purposes of the Privacy Act 1988 if the disclosure or use is for the purposes of the AusCheck scheme.\n\n## Part 5—Other matters\n\n#### 17 Use of the name AusCheck\n\n (1) The Commonwealth is entitled to use the name “AusCheck” for the purposes of the AusCheck scheme.\n (2) If the operation of this section would result in an acquisition of property from a person otherwise than on just terms, the Commonwealth is liable to pay a reasonable amount of compensation to the person.\n (3) If the Commonwealth and the person do not agree on the amount of the compensation, the person may institute proceedings in a court of competent jurisdiction for the recovery from the Commonwealth of such reasonable amount of compensation as the court determines.\n (4) In this section:\n\n> acquisition of property has the same meaning as in paragraph 51(xxxi) of the Constitution.\n\n> just terms has the same meaning as in paragraph 51(xxxi) of the Constitution.\n\n#### 18 Regulations\n\n (1) The Governor‑General may make regulations prescribing matters:\n (a) required or permitted by this Act to be prescribed; or\n (b) necessary or convenient to be prescribed for carrying out or giving effect to this Act.\n (2) The regulations may provide for the following:\n (a) the charging and recovery of fees and other charges in respect of matters specified in the regulations, being matters in relation to which expenses are incurred by the Commonwealth under this Act or under the regulations, but not that would otherwise amount to taxation;\n (b) the review of decisions under the regulations;\n (c) the imposition of penalties, not exceeding 100 penalty units, for a contravention of the regulations;\n (d) the making of guidelines about matters relating to background checking;\n (e) the establishment and conduct of a review of the AusCheck scheme.","sortOrder":19},{"sectionNumber":"Division 1","sectionType":"division","heading":"Collection, retention, use and disclosure of information","content":"An Act to provide a regulatory framework for coordinating and conducting centralised criminal, security and other background checking, and for related purposes\n\n## Part 1—Preliminary\n\n#### 1 Short title\n\n This Act may be cited as the AusCheck Act 2007.\n\n#### 2 Commencement\n\n This Act commences on the day after it receives the Royal Assent.\n\n#### 3 Object of Act\n\n The object of this Act is to provide a regulatory framework for coordinating and conducting certain criminal, security and other background checking.\n\n#### 4 Definitions\n\n (1) In this Act:\n\n> ASIC (short for aviation security identification card) has the same meaning as in the Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005.\n\n> AusCheck database means the database referred to in section 14.\n\n> AusCheck scheme means the scheme prescribed for the purposes of section 8.\n\n> AusCheck scheme personal information means personal information:\n\n (a) that is obtained under the AusCheck scheme; or\n (b) that relates to the administration of the AusCheck scheme; or\n (c) that is obtained before the commencement of Schedule 1 to the AusCheck Amendment (Global Entry Program) Act 2025 by an agency (within the meaning of the Privacy Act 1988) for the purposes of conducting (whether before or after that commencement) a background check in connection with an individual’s participation in the Global Entry program.\n\n> AusCheck staff member means:\n\n (a) an APS employee who performs functions relating to, or for the purposes of, the AusCheck scheme; or\n (b) a person engaged as a consultant or contractor to perform functions relating to, or for the purposes of, the AusCheck scheme.\n\n> Note: For the definition of APS employee, see section 2B of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.\n\n> aviation‑security‑relevant offence has the same meaning as in the Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005.\n\n> CEO of ACIC means the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission established by the Australian Crime Commission Act 2002.\n\n> charged: an individual is charged with a serious offence if an information is laid against the individual for the offence, whether or not:\n\n (a) a summons to require the attendance of the individual to answer the information has been issued; or\n (b) a warrant for the arrest of the individual has been issued.\n\n> Commonwealth authority means a body (whether incorporated or not) established for a public purpose by or under a law of the Commonwealth.\n\n> critical infrastructure risk management program has the same meaning as in the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018.\n\n> Defence Force magistrate has the same meaning as in the Defence Force Discipline Act 1982.\n\n> firearms background check means a background check conducted under regulations made for the purposes of paragraph 8(1)(f).\n\n> firearms licensing authority has the meaning given by regulations made for the purposes of this definition.\n\n> Global Entry program means the trusted traveller program of the Government of the United States of America, known as the Global Entry program, that enables expedited immigration and customs clearance for individuals entering the United States of America and that is open to Australian citizens.\n\n> identity verification information, in relation to an individual, means personal information consisting of the individual’s fingerprints or other biometric data about the individual, but does not include a photograph of the individual.\n\n> issuing body means:\n\n (a) an issuing body within the meaning of the Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005; or\n (b) an issuing body within the meaning of the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Regulations 2003.\n\n> law enforcement agency means an authority of the Commonwealth, or an authority of a State or Territory, that has functions relating to law enforcement.\n\n> major national event has the meaning given by section 5A.\n\n> maritime‑security‑relevant offence has the same meaning as in the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Regulations 2003.\n\n> MSIC (short for maritime security identification card) has the same meaning as in the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Regulations 2003.\n\n> national security agency means:\n\n (a) the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation; or\n (b) the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission established by the Australian Crime Commission Act 2002; or\n (c) any other agency of the Commonwealth prescribed by the regulations.\n\n> national security background check, in relation to an individual, means a background check conducted in relation to the individual under an Act or legislative instrument referred to in subparagraph 8(1)(b)(i) or (ii) for a purpose referred to in paragraph 8(2)(a), (b), (c), or (d).\n\n> permanent resident means a person:\n\n (a) who is not an Australian citizen; and\n (b) whose normal place of residence is situated in Australia; and\n (c) whose presence in Australia is not subject to any limitation as to time imposed by law; and\n (d) who is not an unlawful non‑citizen.\n\n> personal information has the same meaning as in the Privacy Act 1988.\n\n> resolved: for when a charge for a serious offence is resolved in relation to an individual, see subsection (3).\n\n> Schedule 1A offence has the same meaning as in the Defence Force Discipline Act 1982.\n\n> Secretary means the Secretary of the Department.\n\n> serious offence:\n\n (a) in relation to an applicant for, or holder of, an ASIC—means an aviation‑security‑relevant offence of a kind specified in the regulations for the purposes of this paragraph; and\n (b) in relation to an applicant for, or holder of, an MSIC—means a maritime‑security‑relevant offence of a kind specified in the regulations for the purposes of this paragraph.\n\n> service offence has the same meaning as in the Defence Force Discipline Act 1982.\n\n> State or Territory authority means a body (whether incorporated or not) established for a public purpose by or under a law of a State or Territory.\n\n> unlawful non‑citizen has the same meaning as in the Migration Act 1958.\n\n Meaning of personal information\n (2) To avoid doubt:\n\n> personal information, in relation to an individual, includes the following:\n\n (a) the number of an ASIC or MSIC issued to the individual;\n (b) any other identifier assigned to the individual;\n (c) a photograph of the individual.\n When a charge is resolved\n (3) For the purposes of this Act, a charge for a serious offence is resolved in relation to an individual if the charge is finally dealt with in any of the following ways:\n (a) the charge is withdrawn;\n (b) the charge is dismissed by a court;\n (c) the individual is discharged by a court following a committal hearing;\n (d) the individual is acquitted of the offence by a court;\n (e) the individual is found guilty of the offence and a court:\n (i) sentences the person for the offence; or\n (ii) makes an order relating to the offence under section 19B of the Crimes Act 1914, or a corresponding provision of a law of a State or Territory.\n\n#### 5 Definition of background check\n\n A background check, in relation to an individual, is an assessment of information relating to one or more of the following:\n (a) the individual’s criminal history;\n (aa) if required or permitted under a regulation made under subsection 8(3):\n (i) whether the individual has been charged with a serious offence; or\n (ii) whether a charge for a serious offence has been resolved in relation to the individual;\n (b) matters relevant to a security assessment (as defined in subsection 35(1) of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979) of the individual;\n (ba) if the background check is conducted for the purposes of paragraph 8(1)(a) or (f)—matters relevant to a criminal intelligence assessment (within the meaning of Part III of the Australian Crime Commission Act 2002) of the individual;\n (bb) if the background check is conducted for the purposes of paragraph 8(1)(e)—whether a court martial or a Defence Force magistrate:\n (i) has convicted the individual of a service offence (other than a Schedule 1A offence); or\n (ii) has convicted the individual of a Schedule 1A offence and imposed a punishment of imprisonment on the individual;\n (c) the individual’s citizenship status, residency status or the individual’s entitlement to work in Australia, including but not limited to, whether the person is an Australian citizen, a permanent resident or an unlawful non‑citizen;\n (d) the identity of the individual.\n\n#### 5A Declaration of major national events\n\n (1) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, declare that a specified event is a major national event for the purposes of this Act.\n (2) The Minister must not make a declaration under subsection (1) in relation to an event unless the Minister is satisfied that it is in the national interest that the Commonwealth be involved in the conduct and coordination of background checks in connection with the accreditation of individuals in relation to the event.\n (3) In considering whether to make a declaration under subsection (1) in relation to an event, the Minister may have regard to:\n (a) the significance of the event; and\n (b) the need (if any) to coordinate security arrangements in relation to the event with one or more States or Territories or one or more foreign governments; and\n (c) any risk assessment relating to the event; and\n (d) the potential impact of any security incident relating to the event on Australia’s reputation; and\n (e) the anticipated attendees at the event; and\n (f) any other matter the Minister considers relevant.\n\n#### 6 Crown to be bound\n\n (1) This Act binds the Crown in each of its capacities.\n (2) This Act does not make the Crown liable to be prosecuted for an offence.\n\n#### 7 Extension to external Territories\n\n This Act extends to every external Territory.\n\n## Part 2—Establishment of AusCheck scheme\n\n#### 8 Establishment of AusCheck scheme\n\n (1) The regulations may provide for the establishment of a scheme (the AusCheck scheme) relating to the conduct and coordination of background checks of individuals if:\n (a) any of the following laws requires or permits a background check to be conducted of an individual for specified purposes:\n (i) the Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 or regulations under that Act;\n (ii) the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003 or regulations under that Act; or\n (b) any other Act (other than this Act) expressly:\n (i) requires or permits a background check of an individual to be conducted under the AusCheck scheme for purposes specified in the Act; or\n (ii) provides for the making of a legislative instrument requiring or permitting a background check of an individual to be conducted under the AusCheck scheme for purposes specified in the Act; or\n (ba) a critical infrastructure risk management program permits a background check of an individual to be conducted under the AusCheck scheme; or\n (c) a regulation made under subsection (3) requires or permits a background check to be conducted of an individual; or\n (d) the check is of an individual in connection with the accreditation of the individual in relation to a major national event; or\n (e) the check is of an individual in connection with the individual’s participation in the Global Entry program; or\n (f) the check is of an individual in connection with any of the following:\n (i) a decision under a law of a State or Territory about whether to issue a firearms licence to the individual or otherwise relating to the issue of such a licence (including in relation to conditions);\n (ii) a decision about whether to renew, revoke, vary or suspend a licence mentioned in subparagraph (i);\n (iii) in relation to an individual who holds a firearms licence—an application by a law enforcement agency or a national security agency.\n National security background checks\n (2) If paragraph (1)(b) applies, the background check must be conducted for purposes related to:\n (a) Australia’s national security; or\n (b) the defence of Australia; or\n (c) a national emergency; or\n (d) the prevention of conduct to which Part 5.3, 5.3A or 5.5 of Chapter 5 of the Criminal Code (which deal with terrorism, foreign incursions and recruitment) applies.\n Background checks in connection with major national events\n (2A) If paragraph (1)(d) applies, the background check must be conducted:\n (a) for purposes related to matters that are peculiarly adapted to the government of a nation and that cannot otherwise be carried on for the benefit of the nation; or\n (b) for purposes involving, or for purposes related to, the collection and transmission of information by a communication using a postal, telegraphic, telephonic or other like service; or\n (c) in, or for purposes related to, a Territory; or\n (d) in or with respect to a Commonwealth place (within the meaning of the Commonwealth Places (Application of Laws) Act 1970); or\n (e) in the course of, or for purposes related to, trade or commerce with other countries, and among the States; or\n (f) in relation to a person who is an employee of, an office holder in, or otherwise connected with, a corporation to which paragraph 51(xx) of the Constitution applies, where the results of the check are relevant to:\n (i) the relationship between the person and the corporation; or\n (ii) the protection of the corporation; or\n (iii) the activities of the corporation; or\n (g) for purposes related to external affairs; or\n (h) for purposes related to the background checking of, or the protection of, aliens; or\n (i) for purposes related to:\n (i) Australia’s national security; or\n (ii) the defence of Australia; or\n (iii) a national emergency; or\n (iv) the prevention of conduct to which Part 5.3, 5.3A or 5.5 of the Criminal Code applies; or\n (j) by way of the provision of a service, for a purpose of the Commonwealth, to:\n (i) the Commonwealth; or\n (ii) an authority of the Commonwealth; or\n (k) for purposes related to matters incidental to the execution of any of the legislative powers of the Parliament or the executive power of the Commonwealth.\n Background checks required or permitted under the regulations—charges for serious offences\n (3) The regulations may require or permit a background check covering a matter referred to in paragraph 5(a), (aa) or (d) to be conducted in relation to an individual if:\n (a) one of the following applies:\n (i) the individual has applied to an issuing body for an ASIC or MSIC, and the issuing body has neither issued, nor refused to issue, the ASIC or MSIC;\n (ii) the individual or an issuing body has applied under regulations made under the Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 or the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003 for approval to issue an ASIC or MSIC to the individual, and the application has not been determined;\n (iii) the individual is the holder of an ASIC or MSIC;\n (iv) the individual or an issuing body has applied under regulations made under either of those Acts to set aside the cancellation of an ASIC or MSIC issued to the individual;\n (v) the individual has applied to the Administrative Review Tribunal for review of a decision made under regulations made under either of those Acts, or a decision made under the AusCheck scheme, relating to the issue, suspension or cancellation of an ASIC or MSIC, and the application has not been determined; and\n (b) the Secretary considers on reasonable grounds that:\n (i) the individual has been charged with a serious offence; or\n (ii) a charge for a serious offence has been resolved in relation to the individual.\n\n> Note: The matters referred to in paragraphs 5(a), (aa) and (d) cover the individual’s criminal history, whether the individual has been charged with a serious offence or has had a charge for such an offence resolved, and the individual’s identity.\n\n (4) A regulation made under subsection (3) may only require or permit a background check to be conducted for purposes related to determining whether it is appropriate for the individual to enter any area or zone to which access is restricted under:\n (a) the Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 or regulations under that Act; or\n (b) the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003 or regulations under that Act.\n Firearms background checks\n (4A) If paragraph (1)(f) applies, a firearms background check of an individual may only take into account one or more of the following:\n (a) an assessment by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation of the individual under the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979;\n (b) a criminal intelligence assessment (within the meaning of Part III of the Australian Crime Commission Act 2002) of the individual under that Act;\n (c) the citizenship status of the individual.\n Definitions\n (5) A term used in subsection (2A) and the Constitution has the same meaning in that subsection as it has in the Constitution.\n\n#### 9 Matters covered by AusCheck scheme—background checks required or permitted other than under regulations made under this Act\n\n (1) The AusCheck scheme may, for the purposes of paragraphs 8(1)(a) and (b), make provision for and in relation to the following:\n (a) the making of applications for a background check by the individual to whom the background check relates;\n (b) the making of applications for a background check by a person other than the individual to whom the background check relates, with the consent of the individual to whom the background check relates;\n (c) the information that is to be contained in an application for a background check;\n (d) the criteria against which an application for a background check is to be assessed;\n (e) the decision or decisions that may be made as a result of an application for a background check;\n (f) the form of advice to be given to the applicant for a background check;\n (g) the form of advice to be given to an individual in respect of whom a background check is conducted;\n (h) the form of advice to be given to other persons about the outcome of a background check.\n (2) The matters referred to in subsection (1) may relate to:\n (a) all background checks to be conducted for the purposes of paragraphs 8(1)(a) and (b); or\n (b) a specified class of background checks.\n (3) Without limiting the way in which a class of background checks may be described for the purposes of subsection (2), a class may be described by reference to a specified legislative or non‑legislative scheme, a specified law of the Commonwealth, specified provisions of a law of the Commonwealth or specified purposes.\n (4) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(b), an individual is taken to have given consent to another person making an application for a background check in relation to the individual if:\n (a) the individual has applied for:\n (i) an ASIC or MSIC; or\n (iii) any other card, licence, permit or authorisation; and\n (b) before making the application referred to in paragraph (a), the individual was advised by the person to whom that application was made, in accordance with the requirements (if any) specified in the regulations, that a background check was a precondition to:\n (i) the issuing of the card, licence, permit or authorisation; or\n (ii) if the background check is required or permitted to be conducted as referred to in paragraph 8(1)(a) in a particular circumstance—the individual’s continuing eligibility to hold the card in that circumstance.\n\n#### 10 Matters covered by AusCheck scheme—background checks required or permitted under regulations made under this Act\n\n (1) The AusCheck scheme may, for the purposes of paragraph 8(1)(c), make provision for and in relation to the following:\n (a) the giving to the Secretary of information, relating to an individual in respect of whom a background check is conducted, that is directly necessary for the purpose of conducting the background check;\n (b) the criteria against which a background check is to be assessed;\n (c) the decision or decisions that may be made as a result of a background check;\n (d) the form of advice to be given to an individual in respect of whom a background check is conducted;\n (e) the form of advice to be given to other persons about the outcome of a background check.\n (2) The matters referred to in subsection (1) may relate to:\n (a) all background checks to be conducted for the purposes of paragraph 8(1)(c); or\n (b) a specified class of background checks.\n (3) The AusCheck scheme may, for the purposes of paragraph 8(1)(c), make provision for and in relation to an individual or an issuing body notifying the Secretary of specified matters if:\n (a) one of the following applies:\n (i) the individual has applied to an issuing body for an ASIC or MSIC, and the issuing body has neither issued, nor refused to issue, the ASIC or MSIC;\n (ii) the individual or an issuing body has applied under regulations made under the Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 or the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003 for approval to issue an ASIC or MSIC to the individual, and the application has not been determined;\n (iii) the individual is the holder of an ASIC or MSIC;\n (iv) the individual or an issuing body has applied under regulations made under either of those Acts to set aside the cancellation of an ASIC or MSIC issued to the individual;\n (v) the individual has applied to the Administrative Review Tribunal for review of a decision made under regulations made under either of those Acts, or a decision made under the AusCheck scheme, relating to the issue, suspension or cancellation of an ASIC or MSIC, and the application has not been determined; and\n (b) the individual has been charged with a serious offence, or a charge for a serious offence has been resolved in relation to the individual; and\n (c) in the case of an issuing body:\n (i) the individual applied to the issuing body for the ASIC or MSIC; or\n (ii) the issuing body issued the ASIC or MSIC to the individual.\n\n#### 10AA Matters covered by the AusCheck scheme—background checks in connection with major national events\n\n (1) The AusCheck scheme may, for the purposes of paragraph 8(1)(d), make provision for and in relation to any of the following:\n (a) the giving to the Secretary of information, relating to an individual in respect of whom a background check is conducted, that is directly necessary for the purpose of conducting the background check;\n (b) the criteria against which a background check is to be assessed;\n (c) the decision or decisions that may be made as a result of a background check;\n (d) the form of advice to be given to an individual in respect of whom a background check is conducted;\n (e) the form of advice to be given to other persons about the outcome of a background check.\n (2) The matters referred to in subsection (1) may relate to:\n (a) all background checks to be conducted for the purposes of paragraph 8(1)(d); or\n (b) a specified class of background checks.\n\n#### 10AB Matters covered by AusCheck Scheme—background checks in connection with the Global Entry program\n\n (1) The AusCheck scheme may, for the purposes of paragraph 8(1)(e), make provision for and in relation to any of the following:\n (a) the making of applications for a background check by the individual to whom the background check relates;\n (b) except for a background check in relation to an individual who has turned 18—either or both of the following:\n (i) consent by a parent or guardian of the individual to whom the background check relates to an application for a background check;\n (ii) the making of applications for a background check on behalf of the individual to whom the background check relates by a parent or guardian of the individual;\n (c) the making of applications for a background check by a person other than the individual to whom the background check relates, with the consent of any one or more of the following:\n (i) the individual;\n (ii) a parent or guardian of the individual;\n (d) the information that is to be contained in an application for a background check;\n (e) the giving to the Secretary of information, relating to an individual in respect of whom a background check is conducted, that is directly necessary for the purpose of conducting the background check;\n (f) the criteria against which a background check is to be assessed;\n (g) the decision or decisions that may be made as a result of a background check;\n (h) the form of advice to be given to an applicant for a background check;\n (i) the form of advice to be given to an individual in respect of whom a background check is conducted;\n (j) the form of advice to be given to other persons about the outcome of a background check.\n (2) The matters referred to in subsection (1) may relate to:\n (a) all background checks to be conducted for the purposes of paragraph 8(1)(e); or\n (b) a specified class of background checks.\n\n#### 10A Matters covered by AusCheck scheme—online verification service\n\n The AusCheck scheme may make provision for and in relation to matters relating to the establishment and provision of an online verification service that will enable verification:\n (a) that an ASIC or MSIC has been issued to a particular individual and is in effect at a particular time; or\n (b) that an individual who is in possession of an ASIC or MSIC is the person to whom the card was issued; or\n (c) that a national security background check has been conducted in relation to a particular individual; or\n (d) that an individual who is in possession of a card, licence, permit or other authorisation in relation to which a national security background check has been conducted is the individual to whom the card, licence, permit or authorisation was issued.\n\n#### 10B Matters covered by AusCheck scheme—firearms background checks\n\n (1) The AusCheck scheme may, for the purposes of paragraph 8(1)(f), make provision for and in relation to any of the following:\n (a) the making of an application for a firearms background check by a firearms licensing authority, a law enforcement agency or a national security agency;\n (b) the information that is to be contained in an application for a firearms background check (including in relation to consent for the check);\n (c) the manner for conducting a firearms background check;\n (d) the criteria against which an application for a firearms background check is to be assessed;\n (e) the form of advice to be given to the applicant for a firearms background check;\n (f) the form of advice to be given to other persons about the status or outcome of a firearms background check (including any conditions relating to the advice being provided to other persons);\n (g) any other matter relating to a firearms background check.\n (2) The matters referred to in subsection (1) may relate to:\n (a) all firearms background checks to be conducted for the purposes of paragraph 8(1)(f); or\n (b) a specified class or specified classes of such background checks.\n (3) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(b), without limiting that paragraph, an individual is taken to have given consent to another person making an application for a firearms background check of the individual if:\n (a) the individual has applied for a firearms licence (whether immediately before the firearms background check or at any previous time); and\n (b) before making the application for the firearms licence, the individual was advised by the person to whom that application was made, in accordance with the requirements (if any) specified in the regulations, that a firearms background check:\n (i) was a precondition to the issuing of the licence; and\n (ii) may be conducted at any time that the licence is in force.\n\n#### 11 Secretary may give directions under AusCheck scheme\n\n (1) The AusCheck scheme may empower the Secretary to give directions to an applicant for a background check, or to a person who is required or permitted to take action relating to matters connected with a background check.\n Directions about advising whether licence etc. has been issued to individual\n (2) Without limiting subsection (1), the AusCheck scheme may empower the Secretary to direct a person to advise the Secretary whether or not a licence, permit or other authorisation has been issued to an individual in respect of whom a background check has been conducted.\n Directions in connection with background checks required or permitted under the regulations—charges for serious offences\n (3) Without limiting subsection (1), the AusCheck scheme may empower the Secretary to give one or more of the following kinds of direction if the Secretary considers on reasonable grounds that an individual has been charged with a serious offence:\n (a) a direction to an issuing body to delay considering an application for an ASIC or MSIC to be issued to the individual until further direction from the Secretary in accordance with subsection (4);\n (c) a direction to an issuing body to suspend an ASIC or MSIC issued by the issuing body to the individual until further direction from the Secretary in accordance with subsection (4).\n Giving further directions referred to in subsection (3)\n (4) The Secretary:\n (a) must give the further direction referred to in subsection (3) to the relevant person as soon as practicable after the Secretary considers that:\n (i) all charges for serious offences have been resolved in relation to the individual; and\n (ii) a background check has been conducted covering the matter referred to in paragraph 5(a) (criminal history) after subparagraph (i) is satisfied, whether or not the background check also covers other matters; and\n (b) may give the further direction at any time before paragraph (a) applies.\n Directions under subsection (3) to suspend ASICs or MSICs—other cards also taken to be suspended\n (5) If an ASIC or MSIC is suspended as referred to in paragraph (3)(c), then any other card issued to the individual under the Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005 or the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Regulations 2003 is taken also to be suspended.\n Other matters connected with giving directions under subsection (3)\n (6) The AusCheck scheme may make provision for matters connected with the giving of a direction under subsection (3), including the following:\n (a) preventing the individual from making any other application under the Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005 or the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Regulations 2003, or entering any area or zone to which access is restricted under those regulations, until after the further direction referred to in subsection (3) has been given;\n (b) preventing an issuing body or other person from issuing any card to the individual under those regulations until after the further direction referred to in subsection (3) has been given;\n (c) preventing a person from escorting the individual in any area or zone to which access is restricted under those regulations until after the further direction referred to in subsection (3) has been given;\n (d) returning a suspended card issued to the individual under those regulations to a specified person;\n (e) updating registers of cards and other records kept by an issuing body;\n (f) an issuing body or the Secretary notifying other persons of matters in connection with the giving of the direction, for the purpose of preventing:\n (i) an unlawful interference with aviation (within the meaning of the Aviation Transport Security Act 2004); or\n (ii) an unlawful interference with maritime transport or offshore facilities (within the meaning of the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003); or\n (iii) the commission of an offence against a law of the Commonwealth or a State or Territory; or\n (iv) an incident that poses a threat to national security.\n\n#### 12 Delegation by Secretary\n\n (1) The Secretary may, by writing, delegate any or all of the Secretary’s functions and powers under the AusCheck scheme:\n (a) to an SES employee, or acting SES employee, in the Department; or\n (b) to an APS employee who holds, or is acting in, an Executive Level 2, or equivalent, position in the Department.\n\n> Note: The expressions APS employee, SES employee and acting SES employee are defined in section 2B of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.\n\n (2) In exercising powers or functions under a delegation, the delegate must comply with any directions of the Secretary.\n\n## Part 3—Information management\n\n### Division 1—Collection, retention, use and disclosure of information\n\n#### 13 Authorisation of information collection, use and disclosure\n\n Collection, use and disclosure of personal information other than identity verification information\n (1) Subject to subsection (3), the collection, use and disclosure of personal information (other than identity verification information) about an individual is taken to be authorised by this Act for the purposes of the Privacy Act 1988 if:\n (aa) the collection, use or disclosure is for the purposes of, or for purposes directly relating to, determining whether a background check under the AusCheck scheme is required or permitted to be conducted in respect of a particular individual; or\n (a) the collection, use or disclosure is for the purposes of, or for purposes directly relating to, conducting a background check or advising on the status or outcome of a background check in respect of the individual under the AusCheck scheme; or\n (b) the collection, use or disclosure is for the purposes of updating information held by the Secretary in respect of an individual in respect of whom a background check has been conducted under the AusCheck scheme; or\n (c) the collection, use or disclosure is for the purposes of providing an online verification service that will enable verification:\n (i) that an ASIC or MSIC has been issued to a particular individual and is in effect at a particular time; or\n (ii) that an individual who is in possession of an ASIC or MSIC is the person to whom the card was issued; or\n (iii) that a national security background check has been conducted under the AusCheck scheme in relation to a particular individual; or\n (iv) that an individual who is in possession of a card, licence, permit or other authorisation in relation to which a national security background check has been conducted under the AusCheck scheme is the individual to whom the card, licence, permit or authorisation was issued.\n Collection, use and disclosure of identity verification information\n (2) The collection, use and disclosure of identity verification information about an individual is taken to be authorised by this Act for the purposes of the Privacy Act 1988 if:\n (a) the collection, use or disclosure is directly necessary for the purpose of verifying the identity of an individual in respect of whom a background check is being or has been conducted under the AusCheck scheme; and\n (b) for a use or disclosure—the information is only used or disclosed to the extent necessary for the purpose mentioned in paragraph (a).\n Application of section in relation to firearms background checks\n (3) This section applies in relation to information (other than identity verification information) collected about an individual for the purposes of a firearms background check only if the individual is, or has been, the subject of the firearms background check.\n\n#### 14 Authorisation of retention and subsequent use and disclosure of information\n\n Establishment of AusCheck database\n (1) The Secretary may establish and maintain a database (the AusCheck database) of information (other than identity verification information) that relates to the AusCheck scheme.\n\n> Note: For information collected for the purposes of a firearms background check, see subsection (4).\n\n Use and disclosure of AusCheck personal information other than identity verification information\n (2) AusCheck scheme personal information about an individual (other than identity verification information):\n (a) may be included in the AusCheck database; and\n (b) may be used or disclosed for the following purposes:\n (i) carrying out a subsequent background check in relation to the individual under the AusCheck scheme;\n (ia) monitoring and enforcing compliance with a requirement under the AusCheck scheme, the Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005 or the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Regulations 2003 to notify a Secretary of a Department of a specified matter;\n (ii) responding to an incident that poses a threat to national security;\n (iii) the performance of functions relating to law enforcement or national security by the Commonwealth or a Commonwealth authority;\n (iiia) the performance of functions relating to law enforcement or national security by a State or Territory or a State or Territory authority;\n (iv) without limiting subparagraph (iii) or (iiia)—determining whether any individual referred to in paragraph 8(3)(a) has been charged with a serious offence, or whether a charge for a serious offence has been resolved in relation to any such individual.\n (2A) AusCheck scheme personal information about an individual (other than identity verification information) may also be used or disclosed for the purpose of verifying:\n (a) that an ASIC or MSIC has been issued to a particular individual and is in effect at a particular time; or\n (b) that an individual who is in possession of an ASIC or MSIC is the person to whom the card was issued; or\n (c) that a national security background check has been conducted in relation to a particular individual; or\n (d) that an individual who is in possession of a card, licence, permit or other authorisation in relation to which a national security background check has been conducted is the individual to whom the card, licence, permit or authorisation was issued.\n Use and disclosure of AusCheck scheme personal information that is identity verification information\n (2AB) AusCheck scheme personal information about an individual that is identity verification information may be used or disclosed for the purpose of verifying the identity of the individual if a subsequent background check is being conducted in respect of the individual under the AusCheck scheme.\n (2B) AusCheck scheme personal information used or disclosed for the purpose mentioned in subsection (2A) or (2AB) must be limited to personal information of a kind directly necessary for that purpose, and must only be used or disclosed to the extent necessary for that purpose.\n (3) AusCheck scheme personal information included in the AusCheck database may be used in such a way that de‑identified information derived from the AusCheck scheme personal information can be used and disclosed for the following purposes:\n (a) research;\n (b) government planning;\n (c) industry planning.\n Application of section in relation to firearms background checks\n (4) This section applies in relation to information (other than identity verification information) collected about an individual for the purposes of a firearms background check only if the individual is, or has been, the subject of the firearms background check.\n\n#### 14A Special rule relating to collection, retention, use and disclosure of identity verification information by AusCheck staff members\n\n Despite sections 13 and 14, those sections only authorise the collection, retention, use and disclosure by the Secretary or an AusCheck staff member of identity verification information about an individual in relation to whom a background check is being or has been conducted, if the collection, retention, use or disclosure is directly necessary for the purpose of:\n (a) passing the information to a Commonwealth, State or Territory body, agency or organisation that is responsible for, or deals with, law enforcement, criminal intelligence, criminal investigation, fraud or security intelligence in, or in a part of, Australia for the purpose of that body, agency or organisation verifying the identity of the individual for the purposes of the background check; or\n (b) providing the information to the individual.\n\n### Division 2—Protection of information\n\n#### 15 Protection of information\n\n (1) A person commits an offence if:\n (a) the person is or was an AusCheck staff member; and\n (b) when the person is or was an AusCheck staff member, the person obtained information relating to the AusCheck scheme; and\n (c) the person discloses the information to someone else.\n\nPenalty: Imprisonment for 2 years.\n\n (1A) A person commits an offence if:\n (a) the person obtains information; and\n (b) the information is AusCheck scheme personal information; and\n (c) the person discloses the information to someone else.\n\nPenalty: Imprisonment for 2 years.\n\n (2) Each of the following is an exception to subsection (1) or (1A):\n (a) a disclosure for the purposes of the AusCheck scheme;\n (b) if the information is AusCheck scheme personal information—a disclosure with the consent of the individual to whom the AusCheck scheme personal information relates;\n (c) if the information is AusCheck scheme personal information—a disclosure to the individual to whom the AusCheck scheme personal information relates;\n (ca) if the information is AusCheck scheme personal information—a disclosure that is:\n (i) taken to be authorised under section 13; or\n (ii) authorised under section 14; or\n (iii) required or authorised by or under another law;\n (d) a disclosure to the Australian Federal Police for the purposes of the AusCheck scheme;\n (e) if the information is AusCheck scheme personal information—a disclosure to an officer of customs (within the meaning of the Customs Act 1901) for the purposes of assisting in the performance of the officer’s functions, or the exercise of the officer’s powers, under that Act.\n\n> Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to a matter in subsection (2) (see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code).\n\n (3) If a disclosure of information is covered by subsection (2), the disclosure is authorised by this section.\n (4) A person who is or was an AusCheck staff member is not to be required to disclose information relating to the AusCheck scheme to a court, except:\n (a) where it is necessary to do so for the purposes of giving effect to this Act or the AusCheck scheme; or\n (b) for the purposes of a criminal proceeding for an offence against this Act or regulations under this Act (including a proceeding to determine whether a person should be tried for an offence).\n For this purpose, court includes any tribunal, authority or person having power to require the production of documents or the answering of questions.\n (5) In this section:\n\n> information includes, but is not limited to, AusCheck scheme personal information.\n\n## Part 4—Transitional provision in relation to information collected before commencement\n\n#### 16 Authorisation of use and disclosure of personal information collected for specified purposes\n\n (1) This section applies to personal information about an individual that was collected before the commencement of this section by an agency or organisation (within the meaning of the Privacy Act 1988) for the purposes of conducting background checking under:\n (a) the Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 or regulations under that Act; or\n (b) the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003 or regulations under that Act.\n (2) The disclosure of the personal information to an AusCheck staff member, and the use and disclosure of the personal information by an AusCheck staff member, is taken to be authorised by this Act for the purposes of the Privacy Act 1988 if the disclosure or use is for the purposes of the AusCheck scheme.\n\n## Part 5—Other matters\n\n#### 17 Use of the name AusCheck\n\n (1) The Commonwealth is entitled to use the name “AusCheck” for the purposes of the AusCheck scheme.\n (2) If the operation of this section would result in an acquisition of property from a person otherwise than on just terms, the Commonwealth is liable to pay a reasonable amount of compensation to the person.\n (3) If the Commonwealth and the person do not agree on the amount of the compensation, the person may institute proceedings in a court of competent jurisdiction for the recovery from the Commonwealth of such reasonable amount of compensation as the court determines.\n (4) In this section:\n\n> acquisition of property has the same meaning as in paragraph 51(xxxi) of the Constitution.\n\n> just terms has the same meaning as in paragraph 51(xxxi) of the Constitution.\n\n#### 18 Regulations\n\n (1) The Governor‑General may make regulations prescribing matters:\n (a) required or permitted by this Act to be prescribed; or\n (b) necessary or convenient to be prescribed for carrying out or giving effect to this Act.\n (2) The regulations may provide for the following:\n (a) the charging and recovery of fees and other charges in respect of matters specified in the regulations, being matters in relation to which expenses are incurred by the Commonwealth under this Act or under the regulations, but not that would otherwise amount to taxation;\n (b) the review of decisions under the regulations;\n (c) the imposition of penalties, not exceeding 100 penalty units, for a contravention of the regulations;\n (d) the making of guidelines about matters relating to background checking;\n (e) the establishment and conduct of a review of the AusCheck scheme.","sortOrder":20},{"sectionNumber":"13","sectionType":"section","heading":"Authorisation of information collection, use and disclosure","content":"#### 13 Authorisation of information collection, use and disclosure\n\n Collection, use and disclosure of personal information other than identity verification information\n (1) Subject to subsection (3), the collection, use and disclosure of personal information (other than identity verification information) about an individual is taken to be authorised by this Act for the purposes of the Privacy Act 1988 if:\n (aa) the collection, use or disclosure is for the purposes of, or for purposes directly relating to, determining whether a background check under the AusCheck scheme is required or permitted to be conducted in respect of a particular individual; or\n (a) the collection, use or disclosure is for the purposes of, or for purposes directly relating to, conducting a background check or advising on the status or outcome of a background check in respect of the individual under the AusCheck scheme; or\n (b) the collection, use or disclosure is for the purposes of updating information held by the Secretary in respect of an individual in respect of whom a background check has been conducted under the AusCheck scheme; or\n (c) the collection, use or disclosure is for the purposes of providing an online verification service that will enable verification:\n (i) that an ASIC or MSIC has been issued to a particular individual and is in effect at a particular time; or\n (ii) that an individual who is in possession of an ASIC or MSIC is the person to whom the card was issued; or\n (iii) that a national security background check has been conducted under the AusCheck scheme in relation to a particular individual; or\n (iv) that an individual who is in possession of a card, licence, permit or other authorisation in relation to which a national security background check has been conducted under the AusCheck scheme is the individual to whom the card, licence, permit or authorisation was issued.\n Collection, use and disclosure of identity verification information\n (2) The collection, use and disclosure of identity verification information about an individual is taken to be authorised by this Act for the purposes of the Privacy Act 1988 if:\n (a) the collection, use or disclosure is directly necessary for the purpose of verifying the identity of an individual in respect of whom a background check is being or has been conducted under the AusCheck scheme; and\n (b) for a use or disclosure—the information is only used or disclosed to the extent necessary for the purpose mentioned in paragraph (a).\n Application of section in relation to firearms background checks\n (3) This section applies in relation to information (other than identity verification information) collected about an individual for the purposes of a firearms background check only if the individual is, or has been, the subject of the firearms background check.","sortOrder":21},{"sectionNumber":"14","sectionType":"section","heading":"Authorisation of retention and subsequent use and disclosure of information","content":"#### 14 Authorisation of retention and subsequent use and disclosure of information\n\n Establishment of AusCheck database\n (1) The Secretary may establish and maintain a database (the AusCheck database) of information (other than identity verification information) that relates to the AusCheck scheme.\n\n> Note: For information collected for the purposes of a firearms background check, see subsection (4).\n\n Use and disclosure of AusCheck personal information other than identity verification information\n (2) AusCheck scheme personal information about an individual (other than identity verification information):\n (a) may be included in the AusCheck database; and\n (b) may be used or disclosed for the following purposes:\n (i) carrying out a subsequent background check in relation to the individual under the AusCheck scheme;\n (ia) monitoring and enforcing compliance with a requirement under the AusCheck scheme, the Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005 or the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Regulations 2003 to notify a Secretary of a Department of a specified matter;\n (ii) responding to an incident that poses a threat to national security;\n (iii) the performance of functions relating to law enforcement or national security by the Commonwealth or a Commonwealth authority;\n (iiia) the performance of functions relating to law enforcement or national security by a State or Territory or a State or Territory authority;\n (iv) without limiting subparagraph (iii) or (iiia)—determining whether any individual referred to in paragraph 8(3)(a) has been charged with a serious offence, or whether a charge for a serious offence has been resolved in relation to any such individual.\n (2A) AusCheck scheme personal information about an individual (other than identity verification information) may also be used or disclosed for the purpose of verifying:\n (a) that an ASIC or MSIC has been issued to a particular individual and is in effect at a particular time; or\n (b) that an individual who is in possession of an ASIC or MSIC is the person to whom the card was issued; or\n (c) that a national security background check has been conducted in relation to a particular individual; or\n (d) that an individual who is in possession of a card, licence, permit or other authorisation in relation to which a national security background check has been conducted is the individual to whom the card, licence, permit or authorisation was issued.\n Use and disclosure of AusCheck scheme personal information that is identity verification information\n (2AB) AusCheck scheme personal information about an individual that is identity verification information may be used or disclosed for the purpose of verifying the identity of the individual if a subsequent background check is being conducted in respect of the individual under the AusCheck scheme.\n (2B) AusCheck scheme personal information used or disclosed for the purpose mentioned in subsection (2A) or (2AB) must be limited to personal information of a kind directly necessary for that purpose, and must only be used or disclosed to the extent necessary for that purpose.\n (3) AusCheck scheme personal information included in the AusCheck database may be used in such a way that de‑identified information derived from the AusCheck scheme personal information can be used and disclosed for the following purposes:\n (a) research;\n (b) government planning;\n (c) industry planning.\n Application of section in relation to firearms background checks\n (4) This section applies in relation to information (other than identity verification information) collected about an individual for the purposes of a firearms background check only if the individual is, or has been, the subject of the firearms background check.","sortOrder":22},{"sectionNumber":"14A","sectionType":"section","heading":"Special rule relating to collection, retention, use and disclosure of identity verification information by AusCheck staff members","content":"#### 14A Special rule relating to collection, retention, use and disclosure of identity verification information by AusCheck staff members\n\n Despite sections 13 and 14, those sections only authorise the collection, retention, use and disclosure by the Secretary or an AusCheck staff member of identity verification information about an individual in relation to whom a background check is being or has been conducted, if the collection, retention, use or disclosure is directly necessary for the purpose of:\n (a) passing the information to a Commonwealth, State or Territory body, agency or organisation that is responsible for, or deals with, law enforcement, criminal intelligence, criminal investigation, fraud or security intelligence in, or in a part of, Australia for the purpose of that body, agency or organisation verifying the identity of the individual for the purposes of the background check; or\n (b) providing the information to the individual.","sortOrder":23},{"sectionNumber":"Division 2","sectionType":"division","heading":"Protection of information","content":"An Act to provide a regulatory framework for coordinating and conducting centralised criminal, security and other background checking, and for related purposes\n\n## Part 1—Preliminary\n\n#### 1 Short title\n\n This Act may be cited as the AusCheck Act 2007.\n\n#### 2 Commencement\n\n This Act commences on the day after it receives the Royal Assent.\n\n#### 3 Object of Act\n\n The object of this Act is to provide a regulatory framework for coordinating and conducting certain criminal, security and other background checking.\n\n#### 4 Definitions\n\n (1) In this Act:\n\n> ASIC (short for aviation security identification card) has the same meaning as in the Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005.\n\n> AusCheck database means the database referred to in section 14.\n\n> AusCheck scheme means the scheme prescribed for the purposes of section 8.\n\n> AusCheck scheme personal information means personal information:\n\n (a) that is obtained under the AusCheck scheme; or\n (b) that relates to the administration of the AusCheck scheme; or\n (c) that is obtained before the commencement of Schedule 1 to the AusCheck Amendment (Global Entry Program) Act 2025 by an agency (within the meaning of the Privacy Act 1988) for the purposes of conducting (whether before or after that commencement) a background check in connection with an individual’s participation in the Global Entry program.\n\n> AusCheck staff member means:\n\n (a) an APS employee who performs functions relating to, or for the purposes of, the AusCheck scheme; or\n (b) a person engaged as a consultant or contractor to perform functions relating to, or for the purposes of, the AusCheck scheme.\n\n> Note: For the definition of APS employee, see section 2B of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.\n\n> aviation‑security‑relevant offence has the same meaning as in the Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005.\n\n> CEO of ACIC means the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission established by the Australian Crime Commission Act 2002.\n\n> charged: an individual is charged with a serious offence if an information is laid against the individual for the offence, whether or not:\n\n (a) a summons to require the attendance of the individual to answer the information has been issued; or\n (b) a warrant for the arrest of the individual has been issued.\n\n> Commonwealth authority means a body (whether incorporated or not) established for a public purpose by or under a law of the Commonwealth.\n\n> critical infrastructure risk management program has the same meaning as in the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018.\n\n> Defence Force magistrate has the same meaning as in the Defence Force Discipline Act 1982.\n\n> firearms background check means a background check conducted under regulations made for the purposes of paragraph 8(1)(f).\n\n> firearms licensing authority has the meaning given by regulations made for the purposes of this definition.\n\n> Global Entry program means the trusted traveller program of the Government of the United States of America, known as the Global Entry program, that enables expedited immigration and customs clearance for individuals entering the United States of America and that is open to Australian citizens.\n\n> identity verification information, in relation to an individual, means personal information consisting of the individual’s fingerprints or other biometric data about the individual, but does not include a photograph of the individual.\n\n> issuing body means:\n\n (a) an issuing body within the meaning of the Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005; or\n (b) an issuing body within the meaning of the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Regulations 2003.\n\n> law enforcement agency means an authority of the Commonwealth, or an authority of a State or Territory, that has functions relating to law enforcement.\n\n> major national event has the meaning given by section 5A.\n\n> maritime‑security‑relevant offence has the same meaning as in the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Regulations 2003.\n\n> MSIC (short for maritime security identification card) has the same meaning as in the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Regulations 2003.\n\n> national security agency means:\n\n (a) the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation; or\n (b) the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission established by the Australian Crime Commission Act 2002; or\n (c) any other agency of the Commonwealth prescribed by the regulations.\n\n> national security background check, in relation to an individual, means a background check conducted in relation to the individual under an Act or legislative instrument referred to in subparagraph 8(1)(b)(i) or (ii) for a purpose referred to in paragraph 8(2)(a), (b), (c), or (d).\n\n> permanent resident means a person:\n\n (a) who is not an Australian citizen; and\n (b) whose normal place of residence is situated in Australia; and\n (c) whose presence in Australia is not subject to any limitation as to time imposed by law; and\n (d) who is not an unlawful non‑citizen.\n\n> personal information has the same meaning as in the Privacy Act 1988.\n\n> resolved: for when a charge for a serious offence is resolved in relation to an individual, see subsection (3).\n\n> Schedule 1A offence has the same meaning as in the Defence Force Discipline Act 1982.\n\n> Secretary means the Secretary of the Department.\n\n> serious offence:\n\n (a) in relation to an applicant for, or holder of, an ASIC—means an aviation‑security‑relevant offence of a kind specified in the regulations for the purposes of this paragraph; and\n (b) in relation to an applicant for, or holder of, an MSIC—means a maritime‑security‑relevant offence of a kind specified in the regulations for the purposes of this paragraph.\n\n> service offence has the same meaning as in the Defence Force Discipline Act 1982.\n\n> State or Territory authority means a body (whether incorporated or not) established for a public purpose by or under a law of a State or Territory.\n\n> unlawful non‑citizen has the same meaning as in the Migration Act 1958.\n\n Meaning of personal information\n (2) To avoid doubt:\n\n> personal information, in relation to an individual, includes the following:\n\n (a) the number of an ASIC or MSIC issued to the individual;\n (b) any other identifier assigned to the individual;\n (c) a photograph of the individual.\n When a charge is resolved\n (3) For the purposes of this Act, a charge for a serious offence is resolved in relation to an individual if the charge is finally dealt with in any of the following ways:\n (a) the charge is withdrawn;\n (b) the charge is dismissed by a court;\n (c) the individual is discharged by a court following a committal hearing;\n (d) the individual is acquitted of the offence by a court;\n (e) the individual is found guilty of the offence and a court:\n (i) sentences the person for the offence; or\n (ii) makes an order relating to the offence under section 19B of the Crimes Act 1914, or a corresponding provision of a law of a State or Territory.\n\n#### 5 Definition of background check\n\n A background check, in relation to an individual, is an assessment of information relating to one or more of the following:\n (a) the individual’s criminal history;\n (aa) if required or permitted under a regulation made under subsection 8(3):\n (i) whether the individual has been charged with a serious offence; or\n (ii) whether a charge for a serious offence has been resolved in relation to the individual;\n (b) matters relevant to a security assessment (as defined in subsection 35(1) of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979) of the individual;\n (ba) if the background check is conducted for the purposes of paragraph 8(1)(a) or (f)—matters relevant to a criminal intelligence assessment (within the meaning of Part III of the Australian Crime Commission Act 2002) of the individual;\n (bb) if the background check is conducted for the purposes of paragraph 8(1)(e)—whether a court martial or a Defence Force magistrate:\n (i) has convicted the individual of a service offence (other than a Schedule 1A offence); or\n (ii) has convicted the individual of a Schedule 1A offence and imposed a punishment of imprisonment on the individual;\n (c) the individual’s citizenship status, residency status or the individual’s entitlement to work in Australia, including but not limited to, whether the person is an Australian citizen, a permanent resident or an unlawful non‑citizen;\n (d) the identity of the individual.\n\n#### 5A Declaration of major national events\n\n (1) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, declare that a specified event is a major national event for the purposes of this Act.\n (2) The Minister must not make a declaration under subsection (1) in relation to an event unless the Minister is satisfied that it is in the national interest that the Commonwealth be involved in the conduct and coordination of background checks in connection with the accreditation of individuals in relation to the event.\n (3) In considering whether to make a declaration under subsection (1) in relation to an event, the Minister may have regard to:\n (a) the significance of the event; and\n (b) the need (if any) to coordinate security arrangements in relation to the event with one or more States or Territories or one or more foreign governments; and\n (c) any risk assessment relating to the event; and\n (d) the potential impact of any security incident relating to the event on Australia’s reputation; and\n (e) the anticipated attendees at the event; and\n (f) any other matter the Minister considers relevant.\n\n#### 6 Crown to be bound\n\n (1) This Act binds the Crown in each of its capacities.\n (2) This Act does not make the Crown liable to be prosecuted for an offence.\n\n#### 7 Extension to external Territories\n\n This Act extends to every external Territory.\n\n## Part 2—Establishment of AusCheck scheme\n\n#### 8 Establishment of AusCheck scheme\n\n (1) The regulations may provide for the establishment of a scheme (the AusCheck scheme) relating to the conduct and coordination of background checks of individuals if:\n (a) any of the following laws requires or permits a background check to be conducted of an individual for specified purposes:\n (i) the Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 or regulations under that Act;\n (ii) the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003 or regulations under that Act; or\n (b) any other Act (other than this Act) expressly:\n (i) requires or permits a background check of an individual to be conducted under the AusCheck scheme for purposes specified in the Act; or\n (ii) provides for the making of a legislative instrument requiring or permitting a background check of an individual to be conducted under the AusCheck scheme for purposes specified in the Act; or\n (ba) a critical infrastructure risk management program permits a background check of an individual to be conducted under the AusCheck scheme; or\n (c) a regulation made under subsection (3) requires or permits a background check to be conducted of an individual; or\n (d) the check is of an individual in connection with the accreditation of the individual in relation to a major national event; or\n (e) the check is of an individual in connection with the individual’s participation in the Global Entry program; or\n (f) the check is of an individual in connection with any of the following:\n (i) a decision under a law of a State or Territory about whether to issue a firearms licence to the individual or otherwise relating to the issue of such a licence (including in relation to conditions);\n (ii) a decision about whether to renew, revoke, vary or suspend a licence mentioned in subparagraph (i);\n (iii) in relation to an individual who holds a firearms licence—an application by a law enforcement agency or a national security agency.\n National security background checks\n (2) If paragraph (1)(b) applies, the background check must be conducted for purposes related to:\n (a) Australia’s national security; or\n (b) the defence of Australia; or\n (c) a national emergency; or\n (d) the prevention of conduct to which Part 5.3, 5.3A or 5.5 of Chapter 5 of the Criminal Code (which deal with terrorism, foreign incursions and recruitment) applies.\n Background checks in connection with major national events\n (2A) If paragraph (1)(d) applies, the background check must be conducted:\n (a) for purposes related to matters that are peculiarly adapted to the government of a nation and that cannot otherwise be carried on for the benefit of the nation; or\n (b) for purposes involving, or for purposes related to, the collection and transmission of information by a communication using a postal, telegraphic, telephonic or other like service; or\n (c) in, or for purposes related to, a Territory; or\n (d) in or with respect to a Commonwealth place (within the meaning of the Commonwealth Places (Application of Laws) Act 1970); or\n (e) in the course of, or for purposes related to, trade or commerce with other countries, and among the States; or\n (f) in relation to a person who is an employee of, an office holder in, or otherwise connected with, a corporation to which paragraph 51(xx) of the Constitution applies, where the results of the check are relevant to:\n (i) the relationship between the person and the corporation; or\n (ii) the protection of the corporation; or\n (iii) the activities of the corporation; or\n (g) for purposes related to external affairs; or\n (h) for purposes related to the background checking of, or the protection of, aliens; or\n (i) for purposes related to:\n (i) Australia’s national security; or\n (ii) the defence of Australia; or\n (iii) a national emergency; or\n (iv) the prevention of conduct to which Part 5.3, 5.3A or 5.5 of the Criminal Code applies; or\n (j) by way of the provision of a service, for a purpose of the Commonwealth, to:\n (i) the Commonwealth; or\n (ii) an authority of the Commonwealth; or\n (k) for purposes related to matters incidental to the execution of any of the legislative powers of the Parliament or the executive power of the Commonwealth.\n Background checks required or permitted under the regulations—charges for serious offences\n (3) The regulations may require or permit a background check covering a matter referred to in paragraph 5(a), (aa) or (d) to be conducted in relation to an individual if:\n (a) one of the following applies:\n (i) the individual has applied to an issuing body for an ASIC or MSIC, and the issuing body has neither issued, nor refused to issue, the ASIC or MSIC;\n (ii) the individual or an issuing body has applied under regulations made under the Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 or the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003 for approval to issue an ASIC or MSIC to the individual, and the application has not been determined;\n (iii) the individual is the holder of an ASIC or MSIC;\n (iv) the individual or an issuing body has applied under regulations made under either of those Acts to set aside the cancellation of an ASIC or MSIC issued to the individual;\n (v) the individual has applied to the Administrative Review Tribunal for review of a decision made under regulations made under either of those Acts, or a decision made under the AusCheck scheme, relating to the issue, suspension or cancellation of an ASIC or MSIC, and the application has not been determined; and\n (b) the Secretary considers on reasonable grounds that:\n (i) the individual has been charged with a serious offence; or\n (ii) a charge for a serious offence has been resolved in relation to the individual.\n\n> Note: The matters referred to in paragraphs 5(a), (aa) and (d) cover the individual’s criminal history, whether the individual has been charged with a serious offence or has had a charge for such an offence resolved, and the individual’s identity.\n\n (4) A regulation made under subsection (3) may only require or permit a background check to be conducted for purposes related to determining whether it is appropriate for the individual to enter any area or zone to which access is restricted under:\n (a) the Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 or regulations under that Act; or\n (b) the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003 or regulations under that Act.\n Firearms background checks\n (4A) If paragraph (1)(f) applies, a firearms background check of an individual may only take into account one or more of the following:\n (a) an assessment by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation of the individual under the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979;\n (b) a criminal intelligence assessment (within the meaning of Part III of the Australian Crime Commission Act 2002) of the individual under that Act;\n (c) the citizenship status of the individual.\n Definitions\n (5) A term used in subsection (2A) and the Constitution has the same meaning in that subsection as it has in the Constitution.\n\n#### 9 Matters covered by AusCheck scheme—background checks required or permitted other than under regulations made under this Act\n\n (1) The AusCheck scheme may, for the purposes of paragraphs 8(1)(a) and (b), make provision for and in relation to the following:\n (a) the making of applications for a background check by the individual to whom the background check relates;\n (b) the making of applications for a background check by a person other than the individual to whom the background check relates, with the consent of the individual to whom the background check relates;\n (c) the information that is to be contained in an application for a background check;\n (d) the criteria against which an application for a background check is to be assessed;\n (e) the decision or decisions that may be made as a result of an application for a background check;\n (f) the form of advice to be given to the applicant for a background check;\n (g) the form of advice to be given to an individual in respect of whom a background check is conducted;\n (h) the form of advice to be given to other persons about the outcome of a background check.\n (2) The matters referred to in subsection (1) may relate to:\n (a) all background checks to be conducted for the purposes of paragraphs 8(1)(a) and (b); or\n (b) a specified class of background checks.\n (3) Without limiting the way in which a class of background checks may be described for the purposes of subsection (2), a class may be described by reference to a specified legislative or non‑legislative scheme, a specified law of the Commonwealth, specified provisions of a law of the Commonwealth or specified purposes.\n (4) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(b), an individual is taken to have given consent to another person making an application for a background check in relation to the individual if:\n (a) the individual has applied for:\n (i) an ASIC or MSIC; or\n (iii) any other card, licence, permit or authorisation; and\n (b) before making the application referred to in paragraph (a), the individual was advised by the person to whom that application was made, in accordance with the requirements (if any) specified in the regulations, that a background check was a precondition to:\n (i) the issuing of the card, licence, permit or authorisation; or\n (ii) if the background check is required or permitted to be conducted as referred to in paragraph 8(1)(a) in a particular circumstance—the individual’s continuing eligibility to hold the card in that circumstance.\n\n#### 10 Matters covered by AusCheck scheme—background checks required or permitted under regulations made under this Act\n\n (1) The AusCheck scheme may, for the purposes of paragraph 8(1)(c), make provision for and in relation to the following:\n (a) the giving to the Secretary of information, relating to an individual in respect of whom a background check is conducted, that is directly necessary for the purpose of conducting the background check;\n (b) the criteria against which a background check is to be assessed;\n (c) the decision or decisions that may be made as a result of a background check;\n (d) the form of advice to be given to an individual in respect of whom a background check is conducted;\n (e) the form of advice to be given to other persons about the outcome of a background check.\n (2) The matters referred to in subsection (1) may relate to:\n (a) all background checks to be conducted for the purposes of paragraph 8(1)(c); or\n (b) a specified class of background checks.\n (3) The AusCheck scheme may, for the purposes of paragraph 8(1)(c), make provision for and in relation to an individual or an issuing body notifying the Secretary of specified matters if:\n (a) one of the following applies:\n (i) the individual has applied to an issuing body for an ASIC or MSIC, and the issuing body has neither issued, nor refused to issue, the ASIC or MSIC;\n (ii) the individual or an issuing body has applied under regulations made under the Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 or the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003 for approval to issue an ASIC or MSIC to the individual, and the application has not been determined;\n (iii) the individual is the holder of an ASIC or MSIC;\n (iv) the individual or an issuing body has applied under regulations made under either of those Acts to set aside the cancellation of an ASIC or MSIC issued to the individual;\n (v) the individual has applied to the Administrative Review Tribunal for review of a decision made under regulations made under either of those Acts, or a decision made under the AusCheck scheme, relating to the issue, suspension or cancellation of an ASIC or MSIC, and the application has not been determined; and\n (b) the individual has been charged with a serious offence, or a charge for a serious offence has been resolved in relation to the individual; and\n (c) in the case of an issuing body:\n (i) the individual applied to the issuing body for the ASIC or MSIC; or\n (ii) the issuing body issued the ASIC or MSIC to the individual.\n\n#### 10AA Matters covered by the AusCheck scheme—background checks in connection with major national events\n\n (1) The AusCheck scheme may, for the purposes of paragraph 8(1)(d), make provision for and in relation to any of the following:\n (a) the giving to the Secretary of information, relating to an individual in respect of whom a background check is conducted, that is directly necessary for the purpose of conducting the background check;\n (b) the criteria against which a background check is to be assessed;\n (c) the decision or decisions that may be made as a result of a background check;\n (d) the form of advice to be given to an individual in respect of whom a background check is conducted;\n (e) the form of advice to be given to other persons about the outcome of a background check.\n (2) The matters referred to in subsection (1) may relate to:\n (a) all background checks to be conducted for the purposes of paragraph 8(1)(d); or\n (b) a specified class of background checks.\n\n#### 10AB Matters covered by AusCheck Scheme—background checks in connection with the Global Entry program\n\n (1) The AusCheck scheme may, for the purposes of paragraph 8(1)(e), make provision for and in relation to any of the following:\n (a) the making of applications for a background check by the individual to whom the background check relates;\n (b) except for a background check in relation to an individual who has turned 18—either or both of the following:\n (i) consent by a parent or guardian of the individual to whom the background check relates to an application for a background check;\n (ii) the making of applications for a background check on behalf of the individual to whom the background check relates by a parent or guardian of the individual;\n (c) the making of applications for a background check by a person other than the individual to whom the background check relates, with the consent of any one or more of the following:\n (i) the individual;\n (ii) a parent or guardian of the individual;\n (d) the information that is to be contained in an application for a background check;\n (e) the giving to the Secretary of information, relating to an individual in respect of whom a background check is conducted, that is directly necessary for the purpose of conducting the background check;\n (f) the criteria against which a background check is to be assessed;\n (g) the decision or decisions that may be made as a result of a background check;\n (h) the form of advice to be given to an applicant for a background check;\n (i) the form of advice to be given to an individual in respect of whom a background check is conducted;\n (j) the form of advice to be given to other persons about the outcome of a background check.\n (2) The matters referred to in subsection (1) may relate to:\n (a) all background checks to be conducted for the purposes of paragraph 8(1)(e); or\n (b) a specified class of background checks.\n\n#### 10A Matters covered by AusCheck scheme—online verification service\n\n The AusCheck scheme may make provision for and in relation to matters relating to the establishment and provision of an online verification service that will enable verification:\n (a) that an ASIC or MSIC has been issued to a particular individual and is in effect at a particular time; or\n (b) that an individual who is in possession of an ASIC or MSIC is the person to whom the card was issued; or\n (c) that a national security background check has been conducted in relation to a particular individual; or\n (d) that an individual who is in possession of a card, licence, permit or other authorisation in relation to which a national security background check has been conducted is the individual to whom the card, licence, permit or authorisation was issued.\n\n#### 10B Matters covered by AusCheck scheme—firearms background checks\n\n (1) The AusCheck scheme may, for the purposes of paragraph 8(1)(f), make provision for and in relation to any of the following:\n (a) the making of an application for a firearms background check by a firearms licensing authority, a law enforcement agency or a national security agency;\n (b) the information that is to be contained in an application for a firearms background check (including in relation to consent for the check);\n (c) the manner for conducting a firearms background check;\n (d) the criteria against which an application for a firearms background check is to be assessed;\n (e) the form of advice to be given to the applicant for a firearms background check;\n (f) the form of advice to be given to other persons about the status or outcome of a firearms background check (including any conditions relating to the advice being provided to other persons);\n (g) any other matter relating to a firearms background check.\n (2) The matters referred to in subsection (1) may relate to:\n (a) all firearms background checks to be conducted for the purposes of paragraph 8(1)(f); or\n (b) a specified class or specified classes of such background checks.\n (3) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(b), without limiting that paragraph, an individual is taken to have given consent to another person making an application for a firearms background check of the individual if:\n (a) the individual has applied for a firearms licence (whether immediately before the firearms background check or at any previous time); and\n (b) before making the application for the firearms licence, the individual was advised by the person to whom that application was made, in accordance with the requirements (if any) specified in the regulations, that a firearms background check:\n (i) was a precondition to the issuing of the licence; and\n (ii) may be conducted at any time that the licence is in force.\n\n#### 11 Secretary may give directions under AusCheck scheme\n\n (1) The AusCheck scheme may empower the Secretary to give directions to an applicant for a background check, or to a person who is required or permitted to take action relating to matters connected with a background check.\n Directions about advising whether licence etc. has been issued to individual\n (2) Without limiting subsection (1), the AusCheck scheme may empower the Secretary to direct a person to advise the Secretary whether or not a licence, permit or other authorisation has been issued to an individual in respect of whom a background check has been conducted.\n Directions in connection with background checks required or permitted under the regulations—charges for serious offences\n (3) Without limiting subsection (1), the AusCheck scheme may empower the Secretary to give one or more of the following kinds of direction if the Secretary considers on reasonable grounds that an individual has been charged with a serious offence:\n (a) a direction to an issuing body to delay considering an application for an ASIC or MSIC to be issued to the individual until further direction from the Secretary in accordance with subsection (4);\n (c) a direction to an issuing body to suspend an ASIC or MSIC issued by the issuing body to the individual until further direction from the Secretary in accordance with subsection (4).\n Giving further directions referred to in subsection (3)\n (4) The Secretary:\n (a) must give the further direction referred to in subsection (3) to the relevant person as soon as practicable after the Secretary considers that:\n (i) all charges for serious offences have been resolved in relation to the individual; and\n (ii) a background check has been conducted covering the matter referred to in paragraph 5(a) (criminal history) after subparagraph (i) is satisfied, whether or not the background check also covers other matters; and\n (b) may give the further direction at any time before paragraph (a) applies.\n Directions under subsection (3) to suspend ASICs or MSICs—other cards also taken to be suspended\n (5) If an ASIC or MSIC is suspended as referred to in paragraph (3)(c), then any other card issued to the individual under the Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005 or the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Regulations 2003 is taken also to be suspended.\n Other matters connected with giving directions under subsection (3)\n (6) The AusCheck scheme may make provision for matters connected with the giving of a direction under subsection (3), including the following:\n (a) preventing the individual from making any other application under the Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005 or the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Regulations 2003, or entering any area or zone to which access is restricted under those regulations, until after the further direction referred to in subsection (3) has been given;\n (b) preventing an issuing body or other person from issuing any card to the individual under those regulations until after the further direction referred to in subsection (3) has been given;\n (c) preventing a person from escorting the individual in any area or zone to which access is restricted under those regulations until after the further direction referred to in subsection (3) has been given;\n (d) returning a suspended card issued to the individual under those regulations to a specified person;\n (e) updating registers of cards and other records kept by an issuing body;\n (f) an issuing body or the Secretary notifying other persons of matters in connection with the giving of the direction, for the purpose of preventing:\n (i) an unlawful interference with aviation (within the meaning of the Aviation Transport Security Act 2004); or\n (ii) an unlawful interference with maritime transport or offshore facilities (within the meaning of the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003); or\n (iii) the commission of an offence against a law of the Commonwealth or a State or Territory; or\n (iv) an incident that poses a threat to national security.\n\n#### 12 Delegation by Secretary\n\n (1) The Secretary may, by writing, delegate any or all of the Secretary’s functions and powers under the AusCheck scheme:\n (a) to an SES employee, or acting SES employee, in the Department; or\n (b) to an APS employee who holds, or is acting in, an Executive Level 2, or equivalent, position in the Department.\n\n> Note: The expressions APS employee, SES employee and acting SES employee are defined in section 2B of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.\n\n (2) In exercising powers or functions under a delegation, the delegate must comply with any directions of the Secretary.\n\n## Part 3—Information management\n\n### Division 1—Collection, retention, use and disclosure of information\n\n#### 13 Authorisation of information collection, use and disclosure\n\n Collection, use and disclosure of personal information other than identity verification information\n (1) Subject to subsection (3), the collection, use and disclosure of personal information (other than identity verification information) about an individual is taken to be authorised by this Act for the purposes of the Privacy Act 1988 if:\n (aa) the collection, use or disclosure is for the purposes of, or for purposes directly relating to, determining whether a background check under the AusCheck scheme is required or permitted to be conducted in respect of a particular individual; or\n (a) the collection, use or disclosure is for the purposes of, or for purposes directly relating to, conducting a background check or advising on the status or outcome of a background check in respect of the individual under the AusCheck scheme; or\n (b) the collection, use or disclosure is for the purposes of updating information held by the Secretary in respect of an individual in respect of whom a background check has been conducted under the AusCheck scheme; or\n (c) the collection, use or disclosure is for the purposes of providing an online verification service that will enable verification:\n (i) that an ASIC or MSIC has been issued to a particular individual and is in effect at a particular time; or\n (ii) that an individual who is in possession of an ASIC or MSIC is the person to whom the card was issued; or\n (iii) that a national security background check has been conducted under the AusCheck scheme in relation to a particular individual; or\n (iv) that an individual who is in possession of a card, licence, permit or other authorisation in relation to which a national security background check has been conducted under the AusCheck scheme is the individual to whom the card, licence, permit or authorisation was issued.\n Collection, use and disclosure of identity verification information\n (2) The collection, use and disclosure of identity verification information about an individual is taken to be authorised by this Act for the purposes of the Privacy Act 1988 if:\n (a) the collection, use or disclosure is directly necessary for the purpose of verifying the identity of an individual in respect of whom a background check is being or has been conducted under the AusCheck scheme; and\n (b) for a use or disclosure—the information is only used or disclosed to the extent necessary for the purpose mentioned in paragraph (a).\n Application of section in relation to firearms background checks\n (3) This section applies in relation to information (other than identity verification information) collected about an individual for the purposes of a firearms background check only if the individual is, or has been, the subject of the firearms background check.\n\n#### 14 Authorisation of retention and subsequent use and disclosure of information\n\n Establishment of AusCheck database\n (1) The Secretary may establish and maintain a database (the AusCheck database) of information (other than identity verification information) that relates to the AusCheck scheme.\n\n> Note: For information collected for the purposes of a firearms background check, see subsection (4).\n\n Use and disclosure of AusCheck personal information other than identity verification information\n (2) AusCheck scheme personal information about an individual (other than identity verification information):\n (a) may be included in the AusCheck database; and\n (b) may be used or disclosed for the following purposes:\n (i) carrying out a subsequent background check in relation to the individual under the AusCheck scheme;\n (ia) monitoring and enforcing compliance with a requirement under the AusCheck scheme, the Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005 or the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Regulations 2003 to notify a Secretary of a Department of a specified matter;\n (ii) responding to an incident that poses a threat to national security;\n (iii) the performance of functions relating to law enforcement or national security by the Commonwealth or a Commonwealth authority;\n (iiia) the performance of functions relating to law enforcement or national security by a State or Territory or a State or Territory authority;\n (iv) without limiting subparagraph (iii) or (iiia)—determining whether any individual referred to in paragraph 8(3)(a) has been charged with a serious offence, or whether a charge for a serious offence has been resolved in relation to any such individual.\n (2A) AusCheck scheme personal information about an individual (other than identity verification information) may also be used or disclosed for the purpose of verifying:\n (a) that an ASIC or MSIC has been issued to a particular individual and is in effect at a particular time; or\n (b) that an individual who is in possession of an ASIC or MSIC is the person to whom the card was issued; or\n (c) that a national security background check has been conducted in relation to a particular individual; or\n (d) that an individual who is in possession of a card, licence, permit or other authorisation in relation to which a national security background check has been conducted is the individual to whom the card, licence, permit or authorisation was issued.\n Use and disclosure of AusCheck scheme personal information that is identity verification information\n (2AB) AusCheck scheme personal information about an individual that is identity verification information may be used or disclosed for the purpose of verifying the identity of the individual if a subsequent background check is being conducted in respect of the individual under the AusCheck scheme.\n (2B) AusCheck scheme personal information used or disclosed for the purpose mentioned in subsection (2A) or (2AB) must be limited to personal information of a kind directly necessary for that purpose, and must only be used or disclosed to the extent necessary for that purpose.\n (3) AusCheck scheme personal information included in the AusCheck database may be used in such a way that de‑identified information derived from the AusCheck scheme personal information can be used and disclosed for the following purposes:\n (a) research;\n (b) government planning;\n (c) industry planning.\n Application of section in relation to firearms background checks\n (4) This section applies in relation to information (other than identity verification information) collected about an individual for the purposes of a firearms background check only if the individual is, or has been, the subject of the firearms background check.\n\n#### 14A Special rule relating to collection, retention, use and disclosure of identity verification information by AusCheck staff members\n\n Despite sections 13 and 14, those sections only authorise the collection, retention, use and disclosure by the Secretary or an AusCheck staff member of identity verification information about an individual in relation to whom a background check is being or has been conducted, if the collection, retention, use or disclosure is directly necessary for the purpose of:\n (a) passing the information to a Commonwealth, State or Territory body, agency or organisation that is responsible for, or deals with, law enforcement, criminal intelligence, criminal investigation, fraud or security intelligence in, or in a part of, Australia for the purpose of that body, agency or organisation verifying the identity of the individual for the purposes of the background check; or\n (b) providing the information to the individual.\n\n### Division 2—Protection of information\n\n#### 15 Protection of information\n\n (1) A person commits an offence if:\n (a) the person is or was an AusCheck staff member; and\n (b) when the person is or was an AusCheck staff member, the person obtained information relating to the AusCheck scheme; and\n (c) the person discloses the information to someone else.\n\nPenalty: Imprisonment for 2 years.\n\n (1A) A person commits an offence if:\n (a) the person obtains information; and\n (b) the information is AusCheck scheme personal information; and\n (c) the person discloses the information to someone else.\n\nPenalty: Imprisonment for 2 years.\n\n (2) Each of the following is an exception to subsection (1) or (1A):\n (a) a disclosure for the purposes of the AusCheck scheme;\n (b) if the information is AusCheck scheme personal information—a disclosure with the consent of the individual to whom the AusCheck scheme personal information relates;\n (c) if the information is AusCheck scheme personal information—a disclosure to the individual to whom the AusCheck scheme personal information relates;\n (ca) if the information is AusCheck scheme personal information—a disclosure that is:\n (i) taken to be authorised under section 13; or\n (ii) authorised under section 14; or\n (iii) required or authorised by or under another law;\n (d) a disclosure to the Australian Federal Police for the purposes of the AusCheck scheme;\n (e) if the information is AusCheck scheme personal information—a disclosure to an officer of customs (within the meaning of the Customs Act 1901) for the purposes of assisting in the performance of the officer’s functions, or the exercise of the officer’s powers, under that Act.\n\n> Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to a matter in subsection (2) (see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code).\n\n (3) If a disclosure of information is covered by subsection (2), the disclosure is authorised by this section.\n (4) A person who is or was an AusCheck staff member is not to be required to disclose information relating to the AusCheck scheme to a court, except:\n (a) where it is necessary to do so for the purposes of giving effect to this Act or the AusCheck scheme; or\n (b) for the purposes of a criminal proceeding for an offence against this Act or regulations under this Act (including a proceeding to determine whether a person should be tried for an offence).\n For this purpose, court includes any tribunal, authority or person having power to require the production of documents or the answering of questions.\n (5) In this section:\n\n> information includes, but is not limited to, AusCheck scheme personal information.\n\n## Part 4—Transitional provision in relation to information collected before commencement\n\n#### 16 Authorisation of use and disclosure of personal information collected for specified purposes\n\n (1) This section applies to personal information about an individual that was collected before the commencement of this section by an agency or organisation (within the meaning of the Privacy Act 1988) for the purposes of conducting background checking under:\n (a) the Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 or regulations under that Act; or\n (b) the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003 or regulations under that Act.\n (2) The disclosure of the personal information to an AusCheck staff member, and the use and disclosure of the personal information by an AusCheck staff member, is taken to be authorised by this Act for the purposes of the Privacy Act 1988 if the disclosure or use is for the purposes of the AusCheck scheme.\n\n## Part 5—Other matters\n\n#### 17 Use of the name AusCheck\n\n (1) The Commonwealth is entitled to use the name “AusCheck” for the purposes of the AusCheck scheme.\n (2) If the operation of this section would result in an acquisition of property from a person otherwise than on just terms, the Commonwealth is liable to pay a reasonable amount of compensation to the person.\n (3) If the Commonwealth and the person do not agree on the amount of the compensation, the person may institute proceedings in a court of competent jurisdiction for the recovery from the Commonwealth of such reasonable amount of compensation as the court determines.\n (4) In this section:\n\n> acquisition of property has the same meaning as in paragraph 51(xxxi) of the Constitution.\n\n> just terms has the same meaning as in paragraph 51(xxxi) of the Constitution.\n\n#### 18 Regulations\n\n (1) The Governor‑General may make regulations prescribing matters:\n (a) required or permitted by this Act to be prescribed; or\n (b) necessary or convenient to be prescribed for carrying out or giving effect to this Act.\n (2) The regulations may provide for the following:\n (a) the charging and recovery of fees and other charges in respect of matters specified in the regulations, being matters in relation to which expenses are incurred by the Commonwealth under this Act or under the regulations, but not that would otherwise amount to taxation;\n (b) the review of decisions under the regulations;\n (c) the imposition of penalties, not exceeding 100 penalty units, for a contravention of the regulations;\n (d) the making of guidelines about matters relating to background checking;\n (e) the establishment and conduct of a review of the AusCheck scheme.","sortOrder":24},{"sectionNumber":"15","sectionType":"section","heading":"Protection of information","content":"#### 15 Protection of information\n\n (1) A person commits an offence if:\n (a) the person is or was an AusCheck staff member; and\n (b) when the person is or was an AusCheck staff member, the person obtained information relating to the AusCheck scheme; and\n (c) the person discloses the information to someone else.\n\nPenalty: Imprisonment for 2 years.\n\n (1A) A person commits an offence if:\n (a) the person obtains information; and\n (b) the information is AusCheck scheme personal information; and\n (c) the person discloses the information to someone else.\n\nPenalty: Imprisonment for 2 years.\n\n (2) Each of the following is an exception to subsection (1) or (1A):\n (a) a disclosure for the purposes of the AusCheck scheme;\n (b) if the information is AusCheck scheme personal information—a disclosure with the consent of the individual to whom the AusCheck scheme personal information relates;\n (c) if the information is AusCheck scheme personal information—a disclosure to the individual to whom the AusCheck scheme personal information relates;\n (ca) if the information is AusCheck scheme personal information—a disclosure that is:\n (i) taken to be authorised under section 13; or\n (ii) authorised under section 14; or\n (iii) required or authorised by or under another law;\n (d) a disclosure to the Australian Federal Police for the purposes of the AusCheck scheme;\n (e) if the information is AusCheck scheme personal information—a disclosure to an officer of customs (within the meaning of the Customs Act 1901) for the purposes of assisting in the performance of the officer’s functions, or the exercise of the officer’s powers, under that Act.\n\n> Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to a matter in subsection (2) (see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code).\n\n (3) If a disclosure of information is covered by subsection (2), the disclosure is authorised by this section.\n (4) A person who is or was an AusCheck staff member is not to be required to disclose information relating to the AusCheck scheme to a court, except:\n (a) where it is necessary to do so for the purposes of giving effect to this Act or the AusCheck scheme; or\n (b) for the purposes of a criminal proceeding for an offence against this Act or regulations under this Act (including a proceeding to determine whether a person should be tried for an offence).\n For this purpose, court includes any tribunal, authority or person having power to require the production of documents or the answering of questions.\n (5) In this section:\n\n> information includes, but is not limited to, AusCheck scheme personal information.","sortOrder":25},{"sectionNumber":"Part 4","sectionType":"part","heading":"Transitional provision in relation to information collected before commencement","content":"## Part 4—Transitional provision in relation to information collected before commencement","sortOrder":26},{"sectionNumber":"16","sectionType":"section","heading":"Authorisation of use and disclosure of personal information collected for specified purposes","content":"#### 16 Authorisation of use and disclosure of personal information collected for specified purposes\n\n (1) This section applies to personal information about an individual that was collected before the commencement of this section by an agency or organisation (within the meaning of the Privacy Act 1988) for the purposes of conducting background checking under:\n (a) the Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 or regulations under that Act; or\n (b) the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003 or regulations under that Act.\n (2) The disclosure of the personal information to an AusCheck staff member, and the use and disclosure of the personal information by an AusCheck staff member, is taken to be authorised by this Act for the purposes of the Privacy Act 1988 if the disclosure or use is for the purposes of the AusCheck scheme.","sortOrder":27},{"sectionNumber":"Part 5","sectionType":"part","heading":"Other matters","content":"## Part 5—Other matters","sortOrder":28},{"sectionNumber":"17","sectionType":"section","heading":"Use of the name AusCheck","content":"#### 17 Use of the name AusCheck\n\n (1) The Commonwealth is entitled to use the name “AusCheck” for the purposes of the AusCheck scheme.\n (2) If the operation of this section would result in an acquisition of property from a person otherwise than on just terms, the Commonwealth is liable to pay a reasonable amount of compensation to the person.\n (3) If the Commonwealth and the person do not agree on the amount of the compensation, the person may institute proceedings in a court of competent jurisdiction for the recovery from the Commonwealth of such reasonable amount of compensation as the court determines.\n (4) In this section:\n\n> acquisition of property has the same meaning as in paragraph 51(xxxi) of the Constitution.\n\n> just terms has the same meaning as in paragraph 51(xxxi) of the Constitution.","sortOrder":29},{"sectionNumber":"18","sectionType":"section","heading":"Regulations","content":"#### 18 Regulations\n\n (1) The Governor‑General may make regulations prescribing matters:\n (a) required or permitted by this Act to be prescribed; or\n (b) necessary or convenient to be prescribed for carrying out or giving effect to this Act.\n (2) The regulations may provide for the following:\n (a) the charging and recovery of fees and other charges in respect of matters specified in the regulations, being matters in relation to which expenses are incurred by the Commonwealth under this Act or under the regulations, but not that would otherwise amount to taxation;\n (b) the review of decisions under the regulations;\n (c) the imposition of penalties, not exceeding 100 penalty units, for a contravention of the regulations;\n (d) the making of guidelines about matters relating to background checking;\n (e) the establishment and conduct of a review of the AusCheck scheme.","sortOrder":30}],"analysis":{"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"Unauthenticated. Configure AI_GATEWAY_API_KEY or use a provider module. Learn more: https://ai-sdk.dev/unauthenticated-ai-gateway","source":"analysis-cron"},"issue_detection":{"absurdities":[{"type":"circular_definition","section":"s 8(1)(c) and s 8(3)","severity":"high","reasoning":"S 8(1) says 'the regulations may provide for the establishment of a scheme... if' one of the conditions applies. Paragraph (c) makes the condition 'a regulation made under subsection (3) requires or permits a background check'. But subsection (3) is a sub-provision of s 8 itself, meaning the enabling condition for the scheme's existence under paragraph (c) is the prior existence of regulations made under that same section. No regulations under s 8(3) can be made unless the scheme already exists or is being established, creating a logical loop.","confidence":0.82,"description":"Circular bootstrap: s 8(1)(c) authorises the AusCheck scheme where 'a regulation made under subsection (3)' applies, but s 8(3) is itself a subsection of s 8. The scheme can only be established by regulations once the preconditions in s 8(1) are met, yet one of those preconditions (paragraph (c)) is the existence of regulations made under the very same section. The regulations under s 8(3) cannot exist until the scheme is established, yet the scheme cannot be established under s 8(1)(c) until those regulations exist."},{"type":"other","section":"s 5(bb)","severity":"medium","reasoning":"The drafting outcome is that a person convicted by court martial of a serious service offence has that conviction assessed only for Global Entry purposes. For an ASIC (giving access to restricted aviation areas), the same conviction would not fall within the background check under s 5(bb). This inversion of security priorities is an apparent drafting error producing an absurd policy result.","confidence":0.78,"description":"Section 5(bb) confines the military conviction background check element (service offences) to checks conducted for the purposes of paragraph 8(1)(e) — being the Global Entry program. This means that convictions by court martial or Defence Force magistrate are relevant only when checking individuals applying for a US trusted traveller program, but NOT for aviation or maritime security clearances (ASICs/MSICs) or national security checks. It is logically absurd that military criminal history is relevant for a US border program but irrelevant for Australian aviation and maritime security."},{"type":"other","section":"s 8(3)(b)","severity":"medium","reasoning":"The trigger in s 8(3)(b)(ii) — that a charge has been 'resolved' — encompasses acquittal and withdrawal under s 4(3)(a)-(d). Using an acquittal or withdrawal as a ground justifying a new background check sits in tension with the presumption of innocence and appears inconsistent with the protective purpose of the provision. While there may be a policy rationale (updating records), the symmetrical treatment of exculpatory and inculpatory outcomes as equivalent triggers is logically strained.","confidence":0.72,"description":"Section 8(3)(b) allows regulations to require a background check where 'the Secretary considers on reasonable grounds that... a charge for a serious offence has been resolved in relation to the individual.' A resolved charge — by definition under s 4(3) — is one that has been finally dealt with (acquitted, dismissed, withdrawn, convicted and sentenced, etc.). Triggering a new background check because a charge has been resolved (including by acquittal or withdrawal) as a stand-alone ground is potentially absurd: a person who is acquitted triggers the same regulatory power as a person convicted."},{"type":"other","section":"s 9(4)(a)","severity":"low","reasoning":"In the text of s 9(4)(a), the individual is taken to have consented if they applied for: (i) an ASIC or MSIC; or (iii) any other card... Subparagraph (ii) is absent. This is either a deliberate deletion that was not cleaned up or a numbering error. Either way, it creates structural confusion and a missing provision that may have been intended to cover a distinct category.","confidence":0.91,"description":"Section 9(4)(a) lists subparagraphs (i) and (iii) but skips subparagraph (ii). The enumeration jumps from (i) 'an ASIC or MSIC' directly to (iii) 'any other card, licence, permit or authorisation', omitting subparagraph (ii) entirely. This creates a gap in the numbering with no corresponding provision, suggesting a drafting error that leaves the provision structurally incomplete."},{"type":"other","section":"s 11(3)","severity":"low","reasoning":"The absence of paragraph (b) in s 11(3) creates an unexplained gap. If paragraph (b) was intentionally removed, the remaining paragraphs should have been renumbered. As drafted, any cross-reference to s 11(3)(b) would fail, and the structural incompleteness undermines the logical coherence of the direction-giving power.","confidence":0.93,"description":"Section 11(3) lists directions the Secretary may give — paragraphs (a) and (c) — but paragraph (b) is entirely absent from the numbering. The subsection jumps from paragraph (a) to paragraph (c) with no paragraph (b). This is an internal structural gap suggesting a provision was deleted without renumbering, leaving a phantom reference point."},{"type":"other","section":"s 8(4A) and s 5(ba)","severity":"medium","reasoning":"S 8(4A) is an exhaustive list. Criminal history (s 5(a)) is not in it. Yet criminal history is the core purpose of background checking in security-sensitive contexts. The legislature appears to have deliberately excluded criminal history from the AusCheck firearms check (presumably because State/Territory licensing laws handle this directly), but the result is that the Commonwealth's AusCheck scheme can conduct a criminal history check for airport workers but not for firearms licence applicants — an inverted priority that is difficult to justify on policy grounds.","confidence":0.68,"description":"Section 8(4A) limits firearms background checks to only three matters: ASIO assessment, criminal intelligence assessment, and citizenship status. However, s 5(ba) says a background check conducted for purposes of paragraph 8(1)(a) or 8(1)(f) may include 'matters relevant to a criminal intelligence assessment'. Reading these together is consistent, but s 8(4A) entirely excludes the individual's criminal history (s 5(a)) and identity (s 5(d)) from firearms checks. It is anomalous that a firearms licensing decision — with obvious public safety implications — cannot take into account an individual's criminal history as part of the AusCheck scheme check, when aviation and maritime checks can."},{"type":"other","section":"s 6(1) and s 6(2)","severity":"low","reasoning":"This is a standard Crown immunity formulation but in the context of a scheme that creates criminal liability specifically for government employees (AusCheck staff members), the practical effect is that the Commonwealth as employer bears no criminal consequence for systemic failures that lead to unlawful disclosure, even though it is bound by the Act. The tension between being 'bound' and being immune from prosecution is an inherent logical oddity of Crown immunity provisions.","confidence":0.55,"description":"Section 6(1) binds the Crown in each of its capacities, but s 6(2) exempts the Crown from prosecution for offences. Section 15 creates criminal offences (2 years imprisonment) applicable to AusCheck staff members for unauthorised disclosure. APS employees who are AusCheck staff members act on behalf of the Crown. The Crown is bound by the Act (including s 15) but cannot be prosecuted. This means the entity that employs the persons most likely to commit the s 15 offence is immune from prosecution, while only individual employees bear criminal liability."},{"type":"other","section":"Parts 1, 2 and Division 1 headings / full text duplication","severity":"medium","reasoning":"While likely a formatting/compilation error rather than a substantive drafting flaw, verbatim repetition of operative provisions in an Act creates interpretive risks. Courts construing the Act would need to determine whether the repeated text creates additional operative provisions or is merely surplusage. The principle that every word in legislation is presumed to have meaning would be strained by entire Parts appearing multiple times.","confidence":0.85,"description":"The legislation as presented contains substantial verbatim repetition of the entire text of Parts 1 and 2 (and the heading 'Division 1') multiple times. Part 1 and Part 2 appear to be reproduced in full at least three times within the document. This structural duplication, if present in the enacted instrument, would create genuine ambiguity about which version of a provision prevails in the event of any discrepancy between reproduced versions."}],"contradictions":[{"severity":"low","section_a":"s 4(1) definition of 'Global Entry program' — 'open to Australian citizens'","section_b":"s 10AB(1)(b) — parental consent provisions for individuals who have not turned 18","confidence":0.52,"description":"The Global Entry program is defined as being 'open to Australian citizens'. Section 10AB(1)(b) makes special provision for background checks in relation to individuals who have not turned 18, including parental/guardian consent and application mechanisms. A person under 18 who is an Australian citizen can participate. However, the definition of 'permanent resident' in s 4(1) excludes Australian citizens, meaning permanent residents are not covered by the Global Entry definition. The issue is whether minors who are permanent residents (non-citizens) could ever participate — the definition would exclude them, yet the parental consent provisions do not expressly limit participation to Australian citizen minors, creating an ambiguity about the scope of the scheme for non-citizen minor children of Australian citizens."},{"severity":"medium","section_a":"s 8(3)(b) — trigger for background check where charge 'has been resolved'","section_b":"s 11(4)(a) — Secretary must give further direction after 'all charges... have been resolved'","confidence":0.65,"description":"Section 8(3)(b)(ii) treats the resolution of a charge as a trigger to conduct a new background check. Section 11(4)(a) requires the Secretary to give a further direction (lifting suspension/delay) only after all charges are resolved AND a subsequent criminal history background check is completed. This creates a potential loop: the resolution of a charge triggers a new background check under s 8(3), and independently s 11(4)(a) also requires a new background check after resolution. It is unclear whether a single post-resolution check satisfies both requirements simultaneously, or whether two separate checks are contemplated, producing duplicative and potentially contradictory procedural obligations."},{"severity":"medium","section_a":"s 13(1) — authorises collection/use/disclosure of personal information (other than identity verification information)","section_b":"s 14A — restricts AusCheck staff member collection/retention/use/disclosure of identity verification information","confidence":0.7,"description":"Section 13(2) authorises collection, use and disclosure of identity verification information where directly necessary for identity verification. Section 14A then says that despite sections 13 and 14, those sections 'only authorise' such collection by the Secretary or AusCheck staff member if it is for the purpose of passing it to a law enforcement/intelligence body or providing it to the individual. Section 13(2)(b) permits use or disclosure of identity verification information 'to the extent necessary for the purpose' — which is broader than the two-purpose exhaustive list in s 14A. Section 14A's 'despite' override narrows s 13(2) in its application to AusCheck staff members, but the relationship between these provisions for non-staff-member entities who collect identity verification information under the scheme is unclear, potentially leaving an unintended gap in the restriction regime."},{"severity":"low","section_a":"s 15(1) — offence: AusCheck staff member discloses 'information relating to the AusCheck scheme'","section_b":"s 15(5) — 'information includes, but is not limited to, AusCheck scheme personal information'","confidence":0.73,"description":"Section 15(1) creates an offence for an AusCheck staff member disclosing 'information relating to the AusCheck scheme'. Section 15(1A) creates a separate offence for any person disclosing 'AusCheck scheme personal information'. Section 15(5) then defines 'information' in s 15 as including (but not limited to) AusCheck scheme personal information. This means the broader category in s 15(1) ('information relating to the AusCheck scheme') already encompasses AusCheck scheme personal information. The result is that an AusCheck staff member who discloses AusCheck scheme personal information commits two simultaneous offences under both s 15(1) and s 15(1A), each carrying the same penalty. The exceptions in s 15(2) apply to 'subsection (1) or (1A)', which resolves some tension, but the double-offence exposure for the same act by the same person for identical conduct is an internal redundancy that creates unnecessary ambiguity about charging."},{"severity":"low","section_a":"s 3 — object: 'coordinating and conducting certain criminal, security and other background checking'","section_b":"Long title (appearing in Part 3 header area) — 'centralised criminal, security and other background checking'","confidence":0.6,"description":"The short title section (s 3) describes the object as providing a framework for 'certain' background checking. The long title appearing in the document describes the purpose as 'centralised' background checking. 'Certain' implies selective/specified coverage while 'centralised' implies a comprehensive hub function. These are not synonymous and reflect a potential tension in scope: if the Act is construed as providing for 'centralised' checking, its reach may be read more broadly than if construed as covering only 'certain' (i.e., specified) types of checking."}]},"summary":{"complexity_score":8,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The original 2007 Act focused narrowly on coordinating background checks for airport and maritime port security identification cards (ASICs and MSICs). Over time, the scope expanded significantly to include: national security background checks for broader defence and counter-terrorism purposes; background checks for major national events (e.g. Olympics-style events); firearms licence checks across all Australian states and territories; background checks for critical infrastructure workers; and most recently (2025), background checks for Australian citizens applying for the US Global Entry trusted traveller program. The inclusion of firearms licensing checks is a notable expansion into an area traditionally managed entirely by state and territory governments. The Global Entry provision also represents an unusual use of the Commonwealth background-checking infrastructure to facilitate access to a foreign country's immigration program."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple overlapping regulatory regimes referenced (Aviation Transport Security Act, Maritime Transport Act, Security of Critical Infrastructure Act, ASIO Act, Australian Crime Commission Act, Privacy Act, Migration Act, Defence Force Discipline Act, Criminal Code) — requires reading across many statutes simultaneously","Heavily relies on regulations (delegated legislation) for key operational details — the Act is largely an enabling framework, meaning the actual rules live elsewhere and can change without Parliament","Intricate conditional structure in section 8 — the AusCheck scheme only applies in specific combinations of circumstances, with different constitutional justifications required for different types of checks","Constitutional head of power provisions in s8(2A) mirror constitutional text directly — unusual and creates interpretive difficulty for non-lawyers","Multiple categories of background checks (ASIC/MSIC, national security, major national events, Global Entry, firearms, critical infrastructure) each with different rules, criteria, and information-sharing permissions","Layered information management rules distinguishing between 'personal information', 'identity verification information' (biometrics), and 'AusCheck scheme personal information' — each with different use, retention and disclosure authorisations","Card suspension powers triggered by mere charge (before conviction) create significant real-world consequences with complex procedural safeguards","Implicit consent mechanisms (s9(4), s10B(3)) expand who can apply for checks without the individual actively consenting each time","Interaction between this Act and Privacy Act 1988 — authorisation language is designed to create carve-outs from Privacy Act obligations","Document appears to contain duplicated content (Parts 1-3 repeated), suggesting formatting issues that add to navigational complexity"],"plain_english_summary":"The AusCheck Act 2007 sets up a central government scheme to run and store background checks (criminal history, identity, security/citizenship status) for people needing access to security‑sensitive roles or places. It affects airport and port card holders, firearms licence holders, critical‑infrastructure and major‑event personnel, national‑security clearances, and (since 2025) Australians applying for US Global Entry.\n\nThe scheme also permits card suspension on serious charges, information sharing with security agencies, and an online status‑check service."},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":8,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"Compared with an earlier, narrower focus on aviation/maritime card checks, the Act as drafted expands scope to include Global Entry program checks (definition and s 10AB), firearms background checks (s 8(1)(f), s 10B), and accreditation checks for declared major national events (ss 5A, 8(1)(d), 10AA). It also authorises a central AusCheck database with inter‑agency disclosure (s 14(1)–(3)), permits biometric identity verification information to be collected and passed to other enforcement/intelligence bodies subject to limits (ss 4, 14A, 14(2AB)), and creates criminal sanctions for unauthorised disclosure (s 15). This assessment is based only on the text supplied."},"complexity_factors":["Extensive cross‑referencing to other Commonwealth Acts and instruments (Aviation Transport Security Act 2004; Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003; ASIO Act 1979; Australian Crime Commission Act 2002; Criminal Code) (see ss 4, 5, 8(1)(a),(b),(2)).","Wide delegations and discretionary powers vested in the Secretary (directions to issuing bodies; delegation rules) creating operational discretion (see ss 11, 12).","Multiple specialised classes of background checks (aviation, maritime, national security, firearms, Global Entry, major national events) with differing permitted inputs and purposes (see ss 5, 5A, 8, 10AB, 10B, 10AA).","Detailed data‑handling regime: authorised collection, retention, use, disclosure, de‑identification and an AusCheck database with limits on biometric handling (see ss 13, 14, 14A, 2AB, 2B).","Inter‑jurisdictional and inter‑agency sharing permitted (Commonwealth, State/Territory authorities, law enforcement, customs) raising coordination and access questions (see ss 14(2)(iii),(iiia), 13(1)(c)).","Criminal offences and penalties for unauthorised disclosure with narrow statutory exceptions and an evidential burden for defendants (see s 15(1),(1A),(2); note).","Regulations fill many operative details (who may apply, consent rules, fees, review rights, penalty units), so much substance is delegated to future instruments (see ss 8(1)(c), 9–11, 18).","Transitional and amendment references (e.g. Global Entry Amendment 2025) add temporal complexity and special rules for pre‑existing data (see s 4 definition, s 16)."],"plain_english_summary":"The AusCheck Act sets up a centralised AusCheck scheme and database to coordinate background checks for aviation and maritime cardholders and, as provided, for national security checks, firearms licensing, Global Entry applicants and accreditation for major national events. It authorises collection, retention and inter‑agency disclosure of personal and biometric information, empowers the Secretary to direct issuing bodies to delay or suspend cards, and creates criminal penalties for unauthorised disclosures. It affects card applicants/holders, issuing bodies, law‑enforcement and national security agencies."},"kimi_summary":{"_metrics":{"completionTokens":903},"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":7,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The legislation has expanded significantly beyond its original 2007 scope. Initially focused on aviation and maritime security (ASICs/MSICs), it now covers: (1) national security background checks under other Acts; (2) major national events; (3) the US Global Entry program (added 2025); (4) firearms licensing background checks; and (5) critical infrastructure risk management programs. This represents a shift from a narrow transport security purpose to a broader national security and public safety coordination function."},"complexity_factors":["Extensive cross-referencing to other legislation (Aviation Transport Security Act 2004, Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003, ASIO Act 1979, Australian Crime Commission Act 2002, Privacy Act 1988, Defence Force Discipline Act 1982, Migration Act 1958, Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018)","Multiple nested conditions and exceptions throughout, particularly in sections 8 and 13-14","27 defined terms in section 4, many themselves defined by reference to other instruments","Six distinct categories of background checks with different rules (aviation/maritime, national security, major national events, Global Entry, firearms, and regulatory)","Conditional logic for 'serious offences' and 'resolved charges' requiring regulatory specification","Special handling for identity verification information with additional restrictions in section 14A","Constitutional head of power anchoring in section 8(2A) with 11 separate legislative power bases","Delegated legislative power to regulations for significant operational detail"],"plain_english_summary":"**What this law does:**\n\nThe **AusCheck Act 2007** creates a centralised system for conducting criminal, security and other background checks on individuals. It establishes the **AusCheck scheme** — a framework that coordinates who can be checked, what information can be collected, and how that information can be used and protected.\n\n**Who it affects:**\n\n- **Workers in secure areas** — people applying for or holding Aviation Security Identification Cards (ASICs) or Maritime Security Identification Cards (MSICs) to access restricted airport and port areas\n- **People seeking national security clearances** — for roles related to Australia's defence, national security, or emergency response\n- **Participants in major national events** — such as international sporting events or summits requiring accreditation\n- **Australian citizens applying for the US Global Entry program** — a trusted traveller scheme for expedited US border clearance\n- **Firearms licence applicants** — people applying for or holding firearms licences under State or Territory laws\n- **Critical infrastructure workers** — where risk management programs require security checks\n\n**What information can be checked:**\n\n- Criminal history\n- Whether someone has been charged with a serious offence (and whether that charge was resolved)\n- Security assessments by ASIO (Australian Security Intelligence Organisation)\n- Criminal intelligence assessments\n- Citizenship, residency and work entitlement status\n- Identity verification (including fingerprints and other biometric data)\n- For Defence personnel: service offence convictions by court martial\n\n**Key protections:**\n\n- **Strict privacy rules** — personal information can only be collected, used and disclosed for specific authorised purposes\n- **Criminal offences** — unauthorised disclosure of AusCheck information carries up to 2 years imprisonment\n- **Identity verification information** (fingerprints, biometrics) has extra restrictions — it can only be shared with law enforcement, security and intelligence agencies for identity verification, or given to the individual themselves\n- **AusCheck database** — the Secretary maintains a database of information, which can be used for subsequent background checks, national security incidents, law enforcement, and de-identified research\n\n**Why it matters:**\n\nThis Act provides the legal backbone for Australia's security screening system. It balances the need for thorough vetting of people who access sensitive areas (airports, ports, critical infrastructure) and positions (national security roles) with privacy protections. The scheme has expanded over time to cover firearms licensing and international trusted traveller programs, reflecting growing demands for verified identity and security clearance across multiple policy areas."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/auscheck-act-2007","history":"/api/acts/auscheck-act-2007/history","analysis":"/api/acts/auscheck-act-2007/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/auscheck-act-2007/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/auscheck-act-2007/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/auscheck-act-2007/documents"}}