Keane Consulting are an accredited Defence Industry Security Program (DISP) member which provides us with the ability to sponsor individuals to gain a Baseline or Negative Vetting 1 (NV1) security clearance, or to upgrade a Baseline to NV1, through the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA). Keane can also reactivate existing clearances that are currently not sponsored. A candidate does not need to have previously held a Baseline clearance prior to applying for an NV1. That is, a candidate can apply for an NV1 clearance without having previously held a clearance. Noting, a Baseline clearance lasts 15 years and an NV1 clearance lasts 10 years (providing a clearance has not been in-active for a period more than 2 years).
PLEASE NOTE (28/9/23): AGSVA recently advised that to "reduce demand pressure and provide more capacity to process clearances required for current projects and operational activities" they were implementing a temporary pause on processing of Industry sponsored clearances by lowering their priority for assessment where there is no direct requirement for the candidate to hold a clearance. Keane will continue to work closely with clearance subjects and AGSVA to process applications in as timely manner as possible. This does not currently affect our ability to immediately re-activate an existing clearance or register for a new clearance, however, may slow the processing of new clearances delaying the outcome.
PLEASE NOTE (28/9/23): AGSVA recently advised that to "reduce demand pressure and provide more capacity to process clearances required for current projects and operational activities" they were implementing a temporary pause on processing of Industry sponsored clearances by lowering their priority for assessment where there is no direct requirement for the candidate to hold a clearance. Keane will continue to work closely with clearance subjects and AGSVA to process applications in as timely manner as possible. This does not currently affect our ability to immediately re-activate an existing clearance or register for a new clearance, however, may slow the processing of new clearances delaying the outcome.
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Should you require further detail or information regarding holding an Australian Government Security clearance please refer to the AGSVA Website.
What are the AGSVA clearance levels?
There are four levels of security clearance: Baseline, Negative Vetting Level 1 (NV1), Negative Vetting Level 2 (NV2), and Positive Vetting (PV).
Who “owns” the clearance?
It is important you are aware that security clearances are owned by the ‘position’ not the ‘individual’. It is the requirement of the position to access the resources below that determines the security clearance level required:
How do I initiate a clearance?
Please contact Keane via our security email DISP@keane.com.au and one of our Security Officer’s (SOs) will discuss with you your clearance requirements; answer any questions; talk you through the process; and forward you further information and details. In the meantime, please have a look at the downloadable resource “Security Clearance Information Sheet” which provides further detail on the clearance process.
Do I have to be an Australian citizen?
To initiate a clearance process the Keane Security Officer is required to confirm that you meet the mandatory pre-employment screening and eligibility requirements which consist of:
- Identity verification and confirmation you are eligible to work in Australia.
- That you are an Australian citizen.
Can I get a waiver if I am not an Australian Citizen?
Technically yes. However, Keane will not instigate this for you as these are only granted by AGSVA in exceptional circumstances such as:
- You are necessary to an agency meeting a critical objective.
- The role cannot be redesigned so that access to classified information or resources is restricted to existing personnel with the appropriate clearance.
- The role cannot be performed by an Australian citizen, and there is no conflict of interest in relation to the person's country of allegiance and the role being undertaken.
- You are a permanent resident, actively seeking citizenship and the process will be concluded in a reasonable period.
- The waiver request is authorised by a Band2 (or 2 Star) level APS/Military member.
How do I start the process?
How to get it started, please visit our contact page or email us:
- Contact Us Page
- Email: DISP@keane.com.au
How invasive is going through a clearance process?
Further information is available here: AGSVA Security Clearances Vetting. The following has been provided by AGSVA:
Why does AGSVA get personal?
Clearance applications commonly ask why they are asked for specific information, in which you are able to inform that you have a responsibility to assist in lessening the risks of compromise by ensuring individuals are suitable to access security classified information and resources, and understand the gravity and responsibilities of their position.
How does AGSVA make a suitability assessment?
AGSVA assesses suitability by conducting the checks outlined in the Australian Government's Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF), and by gathering information from applicants and referees to develop a picture of overall moral character.
Why does AGSVA need to know details about my personal life?
AGSVA uses the information provide by clearance applicants to create an overall picture of who they are. Vetting officers are qualified and trained professionals. Their job is to make an assessment of integrity in the context of national security, not pass judgement on you as an individual. Many people have parts of their life that they consider private, or past events and behaviours they may not be proud of. These may be of little or no significance to someone's suitability to hold a security clearance. However, the information provided by the clearance applicant helps to identify and mitigate areas of vulnerability that may be caused by manipulation, blackmail or coercion.
Why does AGSVA get personal?
Clearance applications commonly ask why they are asked for specific information, in which you are able to inform that you have a responsibility to assist in lessening the risks of compromise by ensuring individuals are suitable to access security classified information and resources, and understand the gravity and responsibilities of their position.
How does AGSVA make a suitability assessment?
AGSVA assesses suitability by conducting the checks outlined in the Australian Government's Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF), and by gathering information from applicants and referees to develop a picture of overall moral character.
Why does AGSVA need to know details about my personal life?
AGSVA uses the information provide by clearance applicants to create an overall picture of who they are. Vetting officers are qualified and trained professionals. Their job is to make an assessment of integrity in the context of national security, not pass judgement on you as an individual. Many people have parts of their life that they consider private, or past events and behaviours they may not be proud of. These may be of little or no significance to someone's suitability to hold a security clearance. However, the information provided by the clearance applicant helps to identify and mitigate areas of vulnerability that may be caused by manipulation, blackmail or coercion.
Why might my application be held up?
One of the key delays in clearance application processing is clearance subjects making mistakes on their application. Common errors which delay the process include:
- Incorrect or missed signatures on forms
- Applicant and witness signatures being dated on separate days
- Not providing sufficient ID documentation as per the Gold Standard Proof of Identity
- Documents not submitted in accordance with requirements
- Incorrect address entry (Unit block and apartment suit numbers need to be entered separately to the auto-complete address fill and overseas address has to be entered manually)
- Failure to meet post-1986 Australian Citizenship requirement
- availability of you/your referees for interview or follow up surveys etc
- you background not being easily checkable (lots of overseas travel, inability to confirm historical living arrangement)
- family, friends or personal associations which are foreign nationals
How long does the process take?
The following table is a guide to the timeframe expected for clearance vetting. However, AGSVA is currently experiencing long delays (due to a recent transition to a new IT platform). The following has been provided by AGSVA:
Clearance Level AGSVA Issues Vetting Pack Applicant Completes Vetting Pack KPI for Vetting Assessment
Baseline 5-10 Business Days 20 Business days 20 Business days
Negative Vetting 5-10 Business Days 20 Business days 70 Business days
one (NV1)
Table above is a general guide to the timeframe for each clearance level. The vetting assessment commences when AGSVA receives a fully completed vetting pack, including supporting documentation, from the clearance subject. The AGSVA Service Level Charter specifies that the majority of vetting assessments will be completed within these timeframes.
Clearance Level AGSVA Issues Vetting Pack Applicant Completes Vetting Pack KPI for Vetting Assessment
Baseline 5-10 Business Days 20 Business days 20 Business days
Negative Vetting 5-10 Business Days 20 Business days 70 Business days
one (NV1)
Table above is a general guide to the timeframe for each clearance level. The vetting assessment commences when AGSVA receives a fully completed vetting pack, including supporting documentation, from the clearance subject. The AGSVA Service Level Charter specifies that the majority of vetting assessments will be completed within these timeframes.