How to obtain a police and character clearance report from Australia

Under the Australian Privacy Act, the High Commission in Mauritius cannot obtain confidential information on Australian citizens or residents of Australia from any Australian police force. Only the person him/herself may obtain this information directly from the relevant state, territory or federal police force.

Australians abroad often need police or character certificates for such purposes as court requirements, residence permission or securing employment. Australian Citizens requiring such certificates should contact the appropriate Australian Federal, State or Territory Police Force.

The type, cost and application forms required for clearance certificates vary from state to state. Any State or Territory in Australia will be able to provide at least one of the following certificates:

• Certificate issued on the basis of fingerprints;
• Certificate issued on the basis of a name check; and
• National Police Clearance Certificate.

Australian Citizens seeking to obtain any form of clearance certificate should be advised that the Australian Federal Police (AFP) in Canberra could issue a National Police Clearance Certificate that covers criminal records in all Australian states and territories. The AFP has advised that this certificate is acceptable in all countries. You should confirm that the requesting local authority would accept this certificate.

Information on how to obtain a National Police check can be found at the following address: http://www.afp.gov.au/business/national_police_checks