About the Act

The Security-sensitive Dangerous Substances (SSDS) Act reflects a nationally consistent approach to control hazardous materials defined as SSDS and is part of Australia's National Counter-Terrorism initiative.

The Act establishes that a person or company must have a permit that authorised ‘restricted activities’ in relation to ‘Explosives’ and SSAN (Security- Sensitive Ammonium Nitrate).

The ‘restricted activities’ in relation to SSDS means: storing, transporting manufacturing, importing, exporting, selling, buying, supplying using and disposing.

A person can be issued with a long term permit (3 years) or a short term permit (12 months or less).

Applicants for a permit must meet certain general requirements based on several principles;

• The first requirement is to demonstrate a 'legitimate need' to carry out the ‘restricted activity’;
• Applicants must also consent to a security background check; and
• The Director of Industry Safety must be satisfied that the applicant is a fit and proper person, which involves checking the applicant's competency, history relating to other permits or licences.

The permit holder is also required to nominate all employees who will have unsupervised access to SSDS. These 'responsible workers' will also need to consent to a security check. Employees approved as responsible workers will be issued with an identity card that must be carried when the employee is working with SSDS.

An applicant for a permit also needs to prepare and submit a ‘security plan’ as part of the approval process.

In respect to explosives it should be noted that a ‘Shot-firer’s permit’ no longer provides the authority to purchase, store or handle explosives. This will only be possible by holding an SSDS permit or being a 'Responsible Worker' employed under an SSDS permit. The shot-firer’s permit will purely indicate competencies to verify the type of shot-firing work a person is capable of undertaking in relation to their shot-firing duties.

For more information, please contact the Helpline on 1300 366 322 inside Tasmania or (03) 6233 7657 (outside Tasmania).