Security checking business Veritas has signed a deal to piggyback Australia Post’s bricks-and-mortar presence ahead of an anticipated surge in demand for identity checks driven by new federal security legislation.
About 150,000 maritime and aviation industry workers will be subject to in-person identification checks to be eligible to receive an Aviation Security Identification Card, according to Veritas managing director Stephen Inouye.
The cards are needed for any worker dealing with cargo being moved to the US.
“Our streamlined process with Australia Post allows for an applicant to be verified in-person and their details forwarded electronically to Veritas with 15 minutes of lodgement,” Mr Inouye said
“Our innovative technology then processes and forwards the necessary information to the appropriate agencies to conduct the background checking.”
Australia Post has nearly 400 outlets across the country, which Mr Inouye said would make it substantially easier for customers to receive verification, with other options, including attending an airport in person, logistically more difficult.
"If our system wasn't around, if you lived in Alice Springs, where would you need to go to get an aviation security id card? You'd have to fly somewhere," he said.
Mr Inouye said the company had been in discussions with Australia Post for nearly eight months regarding the project.
The new legislation takes effect from tomorrow.
Mr Inouye said the Veritas system would also make it easier for companies to get checks for employees, as it could be centrally managed with one organisation, rather than across organisations at different locations.
