How to apply for a security clearance for security-sensitive explosives

To apply for a security clearance, you'll need to:

• be at least 18 years of age
• have an Australian residential address
• pass the criminal history and suitability checks.

Application process

1. Complete the security clearance application form online. You will receive an email confirmation with a QR code*.
2. Visit an Australia Post outlet that offers the security clearance card service. Australia Post will verify your ID documents, take your payment, and record your photo and signature. Make sure you bring along:
   • the email confirmation with QR code
   • your ID documents
   • the application fee (see below).
3. Once your application is complete, Australia Post will forward it to the Explosives Inspectorate for processing.

*If you did not receive a QR code, follow these instructions before contacting the Explosives Inspectorate:

• search your inbox (including your junk mail) for an email from 'donotreply@identityservices.auspost.com.au' or with the subject line 'Complete your security clearance application in store'
• confirm that your correct email address was used when completing the online form
• ensure your email security is not blocking emails. If you're using a work email, check with your email admin to see if the email was blocked
• if you still have not received the QR code, resubmit the application and wait for a new email
• contact the Explosives Inspectorate if you have not received your email after completing the above steps.

Confidentiality

The information you provide will be treated as confidential. We will not share the information you provide or the results of our security checks with your employer.

Fees

Note: No refunds of the security clearance fee will be given if a security clearance application is refused or if the security clearance is surrendered, suspended or cancelled after it has been given.

All security clearance fees are GST free.

Fees for security clearances

What happens next

We will conduct security checks and assess your application. This will normally take 20–40 business days depending on:

• your criminal or domestic violence history (if any)
• whether any further information is needed (e.g. about your mental health).

Once we've completed our assessment, we will notify you. If successful, you should receive your security clearance card in about a week.

If your application is refused, you can apply for review of our decision (see below).

Refusal, suspension or cancellation of security clearance

We can refuse, cancel or suspend your security clearance if:

• you provided incorrect or misleading information in your application
• we consider that you are not (or are no longer) a suitable person to continue to hold a security clearance
• you are convicted of, or charged with, an offence that involves
  • weapons or explosives-related offences
  • violence or threatened violence
  • misuse of drugs
  • breaking and entering into premises, burglary, robbery, stealing, or receiving stolen property
  • fraud, fabricating evidence, perjury, or making a false declaration or statement

We will refuse your application and will immediately cancel or suspend a security clearance if there is a temporary protection order or police protection notice in effect against you, or if you there are release conditions in effect under the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012, s. 125.

Right to review of our decision

Immediate suspensions and cancellations related to domestic violence cannot be appealed.

Otherwise, you can apply to have our decision reviewed by the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

Notifying us of any changes

During the term of your security clearance, you are required to tell us about any changes to your criminal history or domestic violence status. You must also notify us of changes to your name, address or any other circumstances that may affect your suitability to hold a security clearance (e.g. mental health).