Why should changes in personal circumstances be reported?

Personnel who hold a security clearance are granted the clearance by the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA), (or an exempt agency), after careful consideration of all relevant information, including personal circumstances, on a whole of life assessment. Where there are changes in circumstances the decision to grant a clearance may need to be reconsidered.

Some significant personal circumstances may be used by foreign governments, issue motivated groups or criminal organisations to coerce personnel into providing information or goods belonging to your agency.  Commercial organisations may also use changes in circumstances to gain information that would give them an unfair advantage in dealings with your agency.

Where your agency and the AGSVA are aware of changes in personal circumstances it is less likely that these changes can be used as a lever against you.

Who should report significant changes of Circumstances?

Security clearance holders should report any changes in their circumstances at the time of the change.

Managers should advise staff of their requirement to report changes in circumstances. Managers should also report any changes in circumstances relating to their staff if they become aware of these changes.

Individuals should also report significant changes in circumstance in other individuals where they feel it may impact on agency security.

Who should be advised of a change of circumstance?

You should advise AGSVA in changes to your personal circumstances.

It is also recommended that you advise your agency security section, and managers and/or senior managers within the line areas can be advised of significant changes in circumstances to assist in mitigating possible ‘Conflicts of Interest’.

What should be reported?

The following changes in circumstances should be reported:

  • Entering into, or ceasing, a marriage or domestic partnership. If you have married your partner, who was declared as such in the previous clearance process, this is not normally a significant change in circumstance. A certified true copy of the Marriage Certificate must be provided to the AGSVA to update your Personnel Security File
  • Residence in, or visitis to foreign countries.
  • Change of address. All changes of address should be reported to the AGSVA.
  • Relatives residing in foreign countries of security significance.
  • Changes in citizenship or nationality. Clearances granted to non-Australian citizens require Agency Heads to waive the eligibility requirements. Once Australian citizenship is gained the waiver can be withdrawn. If you assume foreign citizenship, by either renouncing their Australian citizenship or attaining dual citizenship, AGSVA and your security section should be advised.
  • Non-routine communications with employees of any foreign government. These contacts should be reported to the agency security adviser who will pass them through to the Contact Reporting Scheme administered by ASIO.
  • Changes in financial circumstances. This includes both receipt of large amounts of money as well as possible financial hardship
  • Changes in health or medical circumstances. Some medical conditions may make it easier for interested persons to gain information from a clearance holder. The use of some prescription drugs may have adverse affects on a clearance holder’s ability to determine when not to disclose information. Additionally serious medical conditions may lead to financial difficulties.
  • Involvement in criminal activity.
  • Involvement with any individual, group, society or organisation that may be of security concern. This may include special interest groups relating to projects currently being undertaken by the individual. The groups may vary dependant on the individual’s and the agency’s roles.
  • Disciplinary procedures and/or criminal or civil court proceedings.
  • Security incidents.
  • Any other changes in circumstance that may be of concern to the agency. Some agencies have specific areas of concern, these should be advised to you at the time you were employed or granted a clearance.

How can I report a Change of Circumstances?

You should report a change in circumstances using the SVA 003 Change of Circumstances Notification form - DOC.

It can then be submitted by E-mail to agsva.vsc@defence.gov.au or faxed to 08 7389 6151.

 

Privacy Policy
 
The Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) recognises and respects your privacy and is committed to the Information Privacy Principles set out in the Privacy Act (Cth) 1988. By submitting this form you consent to the collection, use and disclosure of your personal information as described below.
 
How your information will be collected

We collect information from you directly when you complete this form. We may also collect information from: 

  • you directly at other stages during the security clearance process; 
  • your Agency Security Adviser or delegate;
  • your Supervisor (current and previous);
  • your nominated Character Referees;
  • the Australian Security and Intelligence Organisation (ASIO);
  • the Australian Federal Police (AFP); and
  • other agencies who can supply information relevant to the security assessment process regarding your suitability to hold a security clearance.

How your information will be used
Your personal information will be used to assist in the assessment of your suitability to hold or maintain an Australian Government Security Clearance.
The AGSVA will not use or disclose your personal information to any other person or organisation unless:-

    • you consent or have been told that such disclosures are common;
    • it is necessary to protect against a serious and imminent threat to a person’s life or health;
    • it is required or authorised under law;
    • it is reasonably necessary to enforce the criminal law, or a law imposing a pecuniary penalty, or to protect public revenue; and/or
    • the use is directly related to the purpose it was originally collected.