The Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018 (SoCI) is the federal law designed to safeguard Australia’s most vital assets, from power stations and water plants to transport hubs and data centres.
It demands asset owners assess risks, secure their sites, and be ready for threats that could disrupt the nation.
But, here’s the shock: it doesn’t actually tell you how to do it.
When it comes to physical protection like security fencing, the Act names no materials, no fence heights, no standards. Nothing. Asset owners are left to “identify and manage risks” without a clear benchmark.
That gap matters. Without explicit physical security requirements, projects can end up with inconsistent, under-engineered, or even non-compliant perimeters, putting critical infrastructure at real risk.
The strongest guide we have? Australian Standards, with British Standards often used for high-security fencing until a dedicated Australian Standard is finalised. These documents detail exactly how a fence should perform, be built, and be installed to withstand intrusion, weather, and time.
Industry leaders say aligning with these standards is the only way to be sure your security is more than just a box-tick for SoCI.
Read the full story online to see which standards matter most and why ignoring them could cost far more than compliance.
