Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (National Policing Information Charges) Bill 2026

# Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (National Policing Information Charges) Bill 2026 ## What it does The government is introducing a fee for applications to get a nationally coordinated criminal history check through the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission. The bill sets up the framework for charging people or organizations when they request this service, with the exact fee amount to be decided by the Minister. ## Why it matters If you need a criminal history check — whether for employment, volunteering, professional licensing, or other reasons — you'll likely have to pay for it. This shifts some of the cost of running the national policing database from taxpayers generally to the people actually using the service. ## Key details - **What triggers the charge:** Any application for a "nationally coordinated criminal history check service" through the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission will be subject to a fee - **Who sets the price:** The Minister will decide the actual amount through a legislative instrument (a type of regulation), so the exact fee isn't in the bill yet - **When it starts:** The bill only comes into effect if the separate Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission Act 2026 is passed and commences first — they're linked together - **Scope:** Applies across all Australian states, territories, and external territories