Some may worry that disclosing or seeking help for mental health issues will be detrimental to their ability to receive or maintain security clearances. It is true that your experience of mental health difficulties is considered when making this assessment. However, this is not done in isolation. A person’s suitability to hold or maintain a clearance is determined by a much broader and complex assessment of factors including loyalty, maturity, and trustworthiness and commitment to Australia. An employee seeking assistance with their mental health – or potentially that of a family member – will be supported by ONI.
ONI is also recognised as a Mental Health First Aid®(MHFA) Australia Skilled Workplace. This recognition acknowledges ONI’s efforts to develop mental health first aid skills in our people and embed a sustainable and effective mental health program. As part of this program, 10% of our workforce are trained to provide informal psychosocial support to their colleagues.
“The psychological services team aims to support your mental health to enable you and others around you to continue working safely.”
ONI Psychological Services
As an organisation it’s vital to keep working together to break down any residual stigmas that may be associated with talking about – and seeking support – for mental health issues.
‘When I first applied for a job in the then Australian Intelligence Community, I had a history of lifelong anxiety (including panic attacks) and diagnosed PTSD from serving with the United Nations in East Timor. My mental health issues did not prevent me getting a clearance and I’ve now been with the Community for almost 20 years. Having access to EAP and our in-house psych team has been a critical part of how I manage my anxiety and I’m very grateful for that support. We need to get the message out there to good people wanting to work in the NIC that mental health challenges don’t have to stop you from making a meaningful contribution to Australia’s security and prosperity.’
Justine FitzGerald AIM, Senior Adviser - Intelligence Analysis and Mental Health SES Sponsor
For a detailed explanation of the security clearance process, you can list to the ANU's National Security podcast episode on the vetting process, featuring ASIO’s Deputy Director-General Vetting Service Delivery, Ewan Macmillan.