Twelve months ago, the plan for MSIC's future looked clear: one government-run issuing body, biometric enrolment, and smart-device applications. In May 2026, the Department of Home Affairs shelved that plan. Here is what the future of the MSIC scheme actually looks like now.
The Single Issuing Body is not happening
The centralisation project that would have moved every MSIC issuing body into AusCheck has been discontinued in its original form. Only two aviation sites, Canberra and Adelaide Airports, ever completed the transition, and no MSIC issuing body did before the project was paused. Multiple issuing bodies, including ClientView, remain part of the scheme, and there is no timeline for that to change.
What happens to biometrics, smart devices and longer validity
Before the Single Issuing Body project was shelved, AusCheck had flagged three capabilities for the centralised model: biometric capture at enrolment, smart-device applications with automatic document scanning, and a longer background-check validity period. None had a confirmed delivery date even under the original plan. With that plan discontinued, there is no indication these specific features are still in development, and no reason to expect them on any near-term timeline.
What Home Affairs says is actually next
Rather than centralising issuing bodies, Home Affairs has said it will pursue a broader reform of the background checking framework, working with existing issuing bodies rather than replacing them, with a stated focus on efficiency, streamlined processes and security outcomes. No specific measures have been announced yet, and we will cover them when they are.
What is actually likely to keep changing
The clearest, confirmed trend remains cost: the AusCheck background check fee increase that took effect on 1 July 2026, part of AusCheck's move toward full cost recovery, applies regardless of which issuing body you use. Because issuing bodies continue to compete on service rather than being replaced by a single government body, differences in processing speed, support and price between providers remain relevant. Our measured processing time data reflects that.
What this means for you
If you were expecting a single government issuing body, biometric enrolment or smart-device applications, none of that is currently on the way. Applications, renewals and replacements continue exactly as they do today, through your existing issuing body. We track AusCheck's public updates and will revise this article again if the framework reform produces anything concrete.
If you need an MSIC processed under the current system, apply with ClientView today.
