Security clearances and who needs them
You must have a security clearance to apply for a licence or permit relating to security-sensitive explosives.
By July 2026, applications, renewals, and notification will become simpler, faster and smarter as they move into the RSHQ Portal. Find out more about the Portal.
Security clearances are mandatory for anyone with unsupervised access to security-sensitive explosives, with some specific exceptions. Find out what is meant by:
- unsupervised access
- security sensitive explosives
- exceptions to holding a security clearance.
Designated persons
Because security clearances can only be held by individuals, there are designated individuals within companies or partnerships who are required to hold security clearances. See the table below for details.
| Type of business structure | Who should apply for a security clearance |
|---|---|
| Individual | Individual |
| Listed corporation | The nominated 'responsible person' |
| Other corporations | Each executive officer residing in Australia |
| Partnerships | Each partner |
Employees
Employees of security-sensitive authority holders who have unsupervised access to explosives must hold a security clearance.
'Unsupervised access' means they have access to an explosive other than in the presence, and under the direct supervision (i.e. within continuous direction and observation), of a person who holds a security clearance.
Government magazine access card holders
Government magazine access cards can only be issued to individuals (including employees of authority holders).
Each individual who needs access to the facility will need to obtain a security clearance before they can be issued a government magazine access card. Find out more about government magazines.