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Fact Sheet: Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC) - Obligation to Report Relevant Offences

What are an ASIC Holder's Responsibilities if they Get Convicted of an ASRO?

ASIC holders must report a conviction of an aviation security relevant offence (ASRO) to their ASIC issuing body or AusCheck within seven days of sentencing.

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What is an ASRO?

An ASRO is an offence:

  • involving dishonesty
  • involving violence, or a threat of violence
  • involving intentional damage to property or a threat of damage to property
  • involving the production, possession, supply, import or export of a substance that is:
    • a narcotic, or
    • a drug within the meaning of
      • regulation 10 of the Customs (prohibited Exports) Regulations 1958 or
      • regulation 5 of the Customs (prohibited imports) Regulations 1956
  • of a kind dealt with in Part II of the Crimes Act 1914 against the Government of the Commonwealth, or a State or Territory, or a country other than Australia
  • an offence against Part 2 of the Crimes (Aviation) Act 1991
  • an offence against Part 5.3 of the Criminal Code
  • an offence constituted by the production, possession, supply, import or export of explosives or explosive devices.

Please note that speeding fines, parking tickets and general driving offences are not considered to be ASROs. If you are not sure if you have been convicted of an ASRO, you can contact AusCheck for further information.

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What Happens if an ASIC Holder does not Report an ASRO?

An ASIC holder who does not report an ASRO can be prosecuted and fined up to $5,500.

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What Happens when an ASIC Holder Reports an ASRO?

AusCheck will conduct an additional background check to determine if the ASIC holder remains eligible to hold an ASIC.

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How Does an ASIC Holder Report an ASRO?

An ASIC holder must report an ASRO in writing to either their ASIC issuing body or to AusCheck.

The holder needs to provide relevant information so an additional background check can be conducted, the information includes:

  • their personal details (name, residential address and date of birth);
  • their ASIC number(s);
  • the date they were convicted and sentenced;
  • the court in which they were convicted; and

Whether they give consent for:

  • their identity to be confirmed;
  • a new background check to be undertaken; and
  • the outcome of their background check to be provided to their issuing body, if the outcome will prevent them from holding an ASIC.

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What is AusCheck?

AusCheck is a branch in the Commonwealth Attorney-General's Department.

AusCheck conducts background checks for the ASIC scheme and is responsible for identifying individuals who should not be eligible for an ASIC. It achieves this by:

  • applying a consistent interpretation of the statutory requirements
  • coordinating criminal and security checks on applicants, and
  • notifying the applicant's relevant ASIC issuing body of the outcome of each check.

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What if a Holder Does not Give Consent?

If a holder does not give consent, the ASIC will be cancelled and the holder must return the ASIC to their issuing body immediately. The person will also not be able to obtain a visitor identification card (VIC) at a security controlled airport.

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What if a Holder is Found Ineligible to Hold an ASIC?

In such a case the ASIC holder's card will be cancelled and they must return the cancelled ASIC to their ASIC issuing body immediately. They will also not be able to obtain a VIC at a security controlled airport.

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If an ASIC is Cancelled, Can the Person Apply for their ASIC to be Reinstated?

Yes. An ASIC holder may apply to the Secretary of the Department for their ASIC to be reinstated. If dissatisfied with the decision of the Secretary, they may then appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. For further information on how to apply for a cancelled ASIC to be reinstated please contact the Identity Security Section.

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What if an ASIC Holder is Not Sure if they Need to Report an Offence?

An ASIC holder should contact their ASIC issuing body or AusCheck for guidance.

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Further Information

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

To report a relevant offence, please contact either:

  • your ASIC issuing body. Your ASIC will have the logo of your issuing body on the bottom of the card, contact details may also be on the back of the ASIC; or
  • AusCheck

For further information on how to apply to have a cancelled ASIC reinstated please contact the Identity Security Section within the Office of Transport Security on 02 6274 7111 or email idsecurity@infrastructure.gov.au.

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Last Updated: 13 March, 2012