Aviation workers, pilots and operators across Australia are facing a sharp increase in the cost of mandatory security identification cards from July, with the aviation industry warning the hike will compound an already difficult cost environment for general aviation.
From 1 July 2026, the price of an Aviation Security Identification Card will approximately double, rising from $240 to around $480. The increase is driven by the Department of Home Affairs' decision to move AusCheck, the government body that conducts criminal and national security background checks for ASIC applicants, to full cost recovery.
ASICs are administered under the Aviation Transport Security Act. The fee decision was made by Home Affairs and Treasury as part of the budget process.
A Department of Home Affairs spokesperson confirmed the increase, saying in a statement to Australian Flying that it was flagged in the federal budget. "In the 2026-27 Budget, the Government announced that it will introduce full cost recovery of AusCheck's operational expenses from 1 July 2026. AusCheck is updating the pricing for its background checking services, with updated prices available via the AusCheck website."
The response did not address questions about industry consultation, cumulative cost impacts or whether concessions would be considered.
The announcement blindsided issuing bodies. Security ID, one of Australia's leading ASIC issuers, described it as a shock announcement, noting that the background check fee alone now exceeds the total cost of the full ASIC service.
"This is our biggest cost and has been implemented without consultation and with very little lead time," the company said, adding that customers should budget for a new price of $480, up from the current $240.
Security ID has moved its price increase forward to 22 June 2026, noting that AusCheck cannot guarantee applications submitted in the last week of June will meet the 30 June cut-off.
Royal Federation of Aero Clubs of Australia president Lachlan Hyde said the sector understood the need for appropriate security measures, but the manner of the increase was unacceptable.
"Doubling the practical cost of an ASIC with limited consultation and short lead time is another direct hit to the people who keep aviation moving," Hyde said.
Hyde said the increase was part of a broader pattern of cost pressure on the sector, citing fuel, insurance, maintenance, airport charges and the proposed annual VH aircraft registration fee as compounding pressures.
He also pointed to the 2014 Forsyth Review, which recommended limiting mandatory ASIC requirements to unescorted access to Security Restricted Areas rather than general airside access.
"More than a decade later, instead of implementing that sensible risk-based recommendation, the government is now doubling down on the cost of the same scheme," Hyde said.
RAAus launched a public petition calling on the federal government to review the user-pays model and adopt a fairer funding approach for national security measures. RAAus Deputy Chair Michael Monck said security was a national priority whose cost should be shared fairly, warning the current approach was placing unsustainable pressure on small operators and individuals keeping regional Australia moving.
Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie's office indicated she would raise the issue at the upcoming Senate estimates hearings this week, alongside questions regarding the introduction of an annual VH aircraft registration scheme, reported by Australian Flying on May 14.
AusCheck was also contacted for comment and is preparing a statement.