An Australian public servant who had previously been investigated for child sex offences was given a high-level security clearance before working for the government overseas.
Key points:
- The ABC understands the man was given one of the highest security clearances available
- He was investigated for child sexual assault allegations in the early 2000s
- He has since been charged with a number of historical child sexual assault offences
The man has recently returned from a one-year posting in Indonesia with the Department of Home Affairs.
He has since been charged with a number of historical child sexual assault offences and suspended from his job with Home Affairs.
The ABC understands the public servant was given a "Negative Vetting 1" security clearance which gives holders the right to access "Secret" information and is one step below "Top Secret".
It is also understood his security clearance is being reviewed by the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA).
The agency checks a public servant's suitability to handle restricted information through background checks on a person's criminal history, previous employment and other personal information.
The public servant had been investigated for child sexual assault allegations in the early 2000s and police subsequently recommended that he be prosecuted.
The ABC understands the Director of Public Prosecutions in the jurisdiction he lived in decided not to proceed with the case.
The investigation was conducted before he joined the Australian Public Service.
The AGSVA website states its assessments are "intrusive by nature" and applicants "need to provide more sensitive personal information depending on the level of security clearance you are seeking".
"Personal information collected may be used in future assessments of your suitability to hold a security clearance."
The ABC asked the Department of Defence, which oversees AGSVA, a series of questions about the public servant and whether the previous investigation into sexual assault allegations would preclude him from getting a security clearance.
A Defence spokesperson said the department did not comment on security clearance holders.
The spokesman said it was an offence to provide false or misleading information during a security clearance process, and said doing so could lead to criminal charges and imprisonment.
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2022-03-31 18:59:02Z
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