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

The PSPF Reporting Portal will transfer to the Department of Home Affairs on 11 June 2024. Before 11 June 2024, all entities and users must set up new authentication credentials through VANguard. You can get more information by contacting the Government Protective Security Policy section at pspf@homeaffairs.gov.au or the PSPF hotline on 02 5127 9999.

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.