Defence manages the Safeguarding Australia’s Military Secrets framework under Part IXAA of the Defence Act 1903.

Applicants should refer to information on the Authorisation requirements page for when an Foreign Work Authorisation (FWA) application is required. If applicants are still unsure whether they need to submit an application, they should send an email enquiry including their circumstances to exportcontrols@defence.gov.au.

Note: A previous FWA approval does not guarantee that a future application will be approved. This is because circumstances, risks and Australia’s security environment can may change over time. The applicant should not make plans or commitments on the assumption that an FWA will be granted.

Application process

Through the FWA online submission, an applicant can:

  • apply for new FWA
  • apply to vary the  existing FWA 
  • apply to cancel an existing FWA
  • apply to make a change to an application in-progress.

New application

An applicant submitting a new FWA application should provide as much relevant information as possible. More detailed information is preferable. Applicants should consider the nature and circumstances of their proposed work or training and provide specific details.

The information to provide below is a guide only and may not cover every situation. Applicants should provide specific details about:

  • the activities they will undertake on a day-to-day basis
  • why they consider the work or training is for or on behalf of a foreign government or military organisation
  • where and how the work or training will be conducted
  • whether information, knowledge, expertise, technology or other sensitive information will be shared with others.

If additional information is required, the applicant will be contacted directly.

Assessment of application

Defence assesses all new FWA applications and provides advice and recommendations to the Minister for Defence, or the Minister’s delegate, to help them make a decision.

Each application is considered and assessed individually based on the risks involved and the requirements of the Defence Act 1903. Applications are also considered based on the information and the global circumstances at the time the decision is made.

Depending on the circumstances, Defence may recommend an FWA application be:

  • granted
  • granted with conditions
  • granted in a different way to what was applied for
  • refused.

Before a decision is made to refuse, grant with conditions, or in a different way to what was applied for, the applicant will be given an opportunity to respond to concerns identified by Defence that may affect the outcome of an application. This process is known as procedural fairness.

An FWA application will be refused if the decision-maker reasonably believes the proposed work or training would be harmful to Australia’s security, defence or international relations.

Timeframes

Defence is receiving a large number of applications. Applications usually take up to 60 days to process as an estimate only. Applications are processed more quickly when no further information is required.

Applications may take longer to process due to their complexity or because Defence needs additional information before an assessment can be completed.

Submission methods

Applications must be submitted online through the My Australian Defence Exports (MADE) portal.

There are 2 methods available to login to MADE portal:

Login via ServiceConnect using Digital ID

Login using a direct login

Anyone who is not eligible for an Australian Government Digital ID and does not already have a MADE portal account, can request a MADE account to be created by emailing exportcontrols@defence.gov.au with the following details:

  • first name
  • last name
  • email address
  • mobile number (including the country code).

Privacy

Any information provided to Defence in a FWA request is handled in accordance with the Foreign Work Authorisation Privacy collection notice and the Safeguarding Australia’s Military Secrets Privacy Statement.