It really does seem that pilots are one of a small group (of 1 ?) who are being discriminated against and asked to pay for their security checks.
A surface trawl though some employer websites such as the AFP, state Police, child-carers, shows that whilst background checks are required there is no mention that the employee is required to pay for such checks.
A petition is an excellent idea, and a barrage of mail to the pollies and media is also required to get above their 'ignore if less than 'x' complaints per week' threshold.
We also have to tread a delicate line in this campaign.
a lot of the general public still have a perception that all pilots get paid huge amounts of money for very little work.
They don't know about the reality that most pilots work on a casual basis and that many have second jobs.