Good question, RNQ.
The checks are very, very stringent especially if you are a pilot wanting to fly around Australia with family and friends, say like if you want to visit Birdsville or Thargomindah or Lightning Ridge - make sure you have an ASIC handy.
However, there's good news, the requirements are looser if you are a convicted criminal or part of a terrorist organisation wanting to work at a Port or Airport.
Part of the Office of Transport Security report is here:
CONVICTED criminals who pose a terrorist or organised crime risk are free to work on Australia's ports due to gaping holes in the nation's maritime security, according to a report commissioned by the Federal Government.
The damning Office of Transport Security report reveals the central plank of Australia's post-September 11 waterfront security scheme has failed to meet its core goal - to keep criminals convicted of terrorism-related offences away from maritime sites.
The report, obtained under freedom of information laws, will embarrass the Rudd Government as it is the latest in a string of confidential documents that have been sent to at least two cabinet ministers, Anthony Albanese and Brendan O'Connor, exposing the parlous state of national infrastructure and transport security.
The full article is here:
terrorist threat Australian ports
Here's one from The Age.
Criminals infiltrate docks, airports
Hope this helps.