Aviation Security Identification

The Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC), Visitor Identification Card (VIC) and the Temporary Aircrew Card (TAC) form part of a layered approach to aviation security providing an assurance that only authorised persons are able to access secure areas of a security controlled airports.

Aviation Security Identification Cards (ASICs)

The Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC) scheme is a layer of security that ensures only people who have been background checked to a certain level are permitted to be in the secure areas of airports without supervision. The ASIC scheme aims to reduce the risk of unlawful interference with aviation, not just terrorism.

Visitor Identification Cards (VICs)

Visitor Identification Cards (VICs) are issued to visitors to secure areas of security controlled airports. Visitors to secure areas must have a valid reason for entering the secure area, must prove their identity and be supervised by an ASIC holder at all times.

Temporary Aircrew Cards (TACs)

A Temporary Aircrew Card (TAC) is a card that can be issued by aircraft operators to its employees who have applied for an ASIC or are ASIC card holders who have forgotten their ASIC. TACs are a VIC alternative for airline crew travelling with an aircraft across multiple destination airports.

Enhancements to Aviation Security Identification

On 21 November 2011 new amendments to the Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005 come into force to reduce the number of ASIC issuing bodies and strengthen visitor management at security-controlled airports. These amendments implement the final phase of enhancements to the ASIC scheme announced in the National Aviation Policy White Paper by the then Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government in December 2009.

A list of frequently asked questions and responses relating to the enhanced visitor management scheme is available on the Department's Frequently Asked Questions: Implementation of ASIC and VIC Enhancements webpage.

Information on earlier phases of the enhancements to the ASIC scheme:

Government response to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Law Enforcement

The Government's response to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Law Enforcement's inquiry into the adequacy of aviation and maritime security measures to combat serious and organised crime at Australia's airports and seaports is now available. More information on this, and a copy of the Government's response are available to download from the page below.

Government response to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Law Enforcement

Further Information

The legislation establishing the ASIC regime is the Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005 and the Aviation Transport Security Act 2004.