The Administrative Arrangements Order of 3 August 2023 transferred responsibility for protective security policy, including the Protective Security Policy Framework, to the Department of Home Affairs from the Attorney-General’s Department. These Machinery of Government (MOG) changes commenced on 4 August 2023.

Policy amendment – personnel security

PSPF policy 12: Eligibility and suitability of personnel and PSPF policy 13: Ongoing assessment of personnel have been amended to give effect to the TOP SECRET-Privileged Access Standard and enable authorised vetting agencies to issue TOP SECRET-Privileged Access clearances.

These changes enable authorised vetting agencies to begin issuing TOP SECRET-Privileged Access clearances. The TOP SECRET-Privileged Access clearances will eventually replace the existing Positive Vetting clearances after a phased transition. During this transition, some authorised vetting agencies will continue to issue Positive Vetting clearances in accordance with the existing Sensitive Material Security Management Protocol – Personnel Security – Positive Vetting Guidelines.