The Outward Travel Exemption - ABF Decision Maker Process Guide, 21 December 2020 ​

Written by Claude Haiku 4.5 from the extracted text on 28 Feb 2026. It can miss or misread redacted and scanned pages. Check the source before relying on it.

This December 2020 process guide establishes decision-making procedures for Australian Border Force (ABF) officers handling outward travel exemption requests during COVID-19 restrictions. The document defines role hierarchies: Assessment Officers (APS3-6 level staff) can determine eligibility for automatic exemptions and approve streamlined cases for travel lasting at least three months, while authorized Decision Makers must approve all other exemption categories. The guide clarifies terminology distinguishing between individuals (exemption seekers), users (request submitters), Assessment Officers, Streamlined Decision Makers, and Decision Makers. It references the ICSE system for case notes and directs officers to maintain awareness of exemption criteria via the Department's website and SharePoint border measures documentation, with procedural instructions referenced under TRIM ADD2020/5279517. The document served as operational guidance for consistent processing of departure exemptions during Australia's pandemic travel restrictions.