Some good discussion on this here. Remember all an ASIC does is provide evidence that the wearer has undergone a security background check and
may be allowed unescorted access at a security controlled airport.
Kabukiman, the costs are basically three elements. Background check by AUSCHECK which on its own is about $100, admin charge to process by the issuing body and the cost of producing the card. The card with photo is relatively inexpensive and simple but the equipment to put the foil kinegram strip is about a $35,000 investment. The attorney general's office has to provide very detailed substantiation of their charging regime if they are going to increase the cost of the background check. A few years back they actually lowered the cost but that certainly wasn't passed on by issuing bodies.
You don't actually lose a month in fact if you time it right you can gain nearly a month. They used to expire on the last day of the previous month but after a reg change a couple of years back, they now expire on the last day of the month that the clearance was issued.
Horatio, agree 100% with keeping it sensible and risk based. Why not collectively put together some well reasoned argument that demonstrates no reduction in the security outcome. That is the only chance of getting some change through.
