An ASIC is an identification card that confirms the holder has a valid background check. An ASIC is required by any person with an operational need for unescorted access to the security-sensitive areas of an airport, or any person who requires a background check as a requirement of their security-sensitive role.

Now that you hold an ASIC, it is important that you understand the importance of keeping the card secure and your responsibilities and obligations as a cardholder.

You must never loan or share your card with another person or use someone else’s card to gain access to a secure area.

Meeting your obligations ensures you comply with the Aviation Transport Security Regulation 2005. It is an offence to not return an expired red or grey ASIC card within the given timeframe. Prolonging this process may lead to this information being referred to the Australian Federal Police and could result in monetary fines. More information can be found on the Department of Home Affairs website.

The Sydney Airport Services Centre can also assist. Their contact details can be found here.

Expired ASICs

If, you are in possession of an expired Sydney Airport red or grey ASIC card, you are obligated to return the expired ASIC to Sydney Airport Services Centre within 30 days after the expired date.

Cancelled ASICs or No Longer have an Operational Need

If you have left your employer or no longer have an operational need* for an ASIC, as a Red, Grey or White ASIC holder, you must notify Sydney Airport Services within 7 days of the change and/or leaving your current employer and return your card within 30 days.

Lost, stolen or destroyed ASICs

If your red or grey ASIC card is either lost, stolen or destroyed, you will need to notify both the Sydney Airport Services Centre here and the NSW Police immediately.

The NSW Police will provide you with an event number which will need to be used when completing a Commonwealth Statutory Declaration form.

Once complete, this form needs to be signed off by a Justice of the Peace (JP) and provided either in person or via mail to the Sydney Airport Services Centre within 7 days.

The ASIC holder will need to provide this Commonwealth Statutory Declaration form to lodge a new application for a red or grey ASIC.

Suspended ASICs

If your Red, Grey or White ASIC is suspended, you must return your card to the Sydney Airport Services Centre no later than 7 days after you become aware of the suspension.

Other Obligations

Change of Name

If you have changed your name since your red or grey ASIC was issued, you must notify Sydney Airport Services Centre within 30 days after the change and provide proof of Change of Name certificate.

Criminal convictions

If you are convicted of and sentenced for a security-relevant offence, you must notify the Sydney Airport Services Centre in writing, within 7 days. Review and appeal mechanisms are in place for those with convictions of criminal and aviation or maritime-security-relevant offences. Please visit the Department of Home Affairs website [here - https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/about-us/our-portfolios/transport-security/identity/applicants-and-cardholders]

Returning Cards

Red or Grey ASIC cards must be returned to the Sydney Airport Services Centre within 30 days under the following circumstances:

• the card has expired;
• the card is cancelled;
• the card has been damaged, altered or defaced; or
• you no longer have an operational need to enter a secure area.

This can be done in person at the Airport Services Centre at T1 International terminal or T2 Domestic terminal.

Or you can mail the card to:

Airport Services Centre
Locked Bag 5000
Sydney International Terminal
NSW 2020
Australia

Displaying Your ASIC

You must properly display a valid ASIC while in secure-sensitive areas.

Note: White ASICs are not required to be displayed.

You are properly displaying your valid red ASIC, grey ASIC, VIC if the card is:

• attached to your outer clothing
• above waist height, and
• at the front or side of your body

The whole front of the ASIC, VIC must be clearly visible. Failure to properly display a valid ASIC (excluding white ASIC) in a secure area is an offence of strict liability and may incur a penalty.

You are properly displaying your valid if:

• the whole of the front of the is always clearly visible that it is being worn, and
• the ASICs attached, at or above the waist, to the front or side of your clothing or on a band around your upper arm.

The Secretary of the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development may exempt a person from displaying an ASIC.

*No longer require frequent access to a secure area of a security-controlled airport that has Regular Public Transport (RPT) operations.