Question On Notice No. 1543 asked in the Legislative Council on 14 August 2018 by Hon Tjorn Sibma
Question Directed to the: Leader of the House representing the Premier
Parliament: 40 Session: 1
Question
The budget papers demonstrate that the Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPC) is engaged in serious work on security and emergency matters, and I ask:
(a) is it still departmental policy that senior DPC officers undergo a national security clearance vetting process;
(b) which positions within DPC require security vetting and to what level of clearance; and
(c) have all individuals appointed to these positions undertaken this security vetting to the appropriate clearance level and, if not, why not?
Answered on 11 September 2018
(a)-(c) DPC officers that have, or may have, a need to access classified information are required to undergo a national security clearance vetting process. Until these officers receive a national security clearance they do not access classified information, unless the Australian Government approves a short term access arrangement.