History

Robert Menzies switching on HIFAR in 1958

ANSTO began in 1949 as an industrial committee composed of scientific and Government representatives. The Committee's aim was to examine possible industrial applications for nuclear technology and to suggest a national program for atomic research.

In 1952 the Committee evolved to become the Atomic Energy Policy Committee and then the Australian Atomic Energy Commission (AAEC) in 1953, governed by the Australian Atomic Energy Act 1953.

The Act was designed to bring together, in one piece of legislation, all matters relating to atomic energy to create the Commission with all the necessary powers and functions, and to provide for the operation of the Commission as a self-contained statutory authority.

The Act imposed on the Commission three principal responsibilities:

• To develop practical uses of atomic energy by carrying out and assisting research, constructing plant and equipment and employing and training staff
• To promote the search for, and mining and treatment of, uranium in Australia with power to buy and sell on behalf of the Commonwealth
• To collect and distribute information on uranium and atomic energy.

In 1956, the Commission began active promotion of radioisotopes in Australia and in the same year the foundations were laid for Australia’s first nuclear reactor, HIFAR (High Flux Australian Reactor). HIFAR was switched on by Prime Minister Menzies on Australia Day 1958. The reactor provided all of the radioisotopes manufactured in Australia was used to study the effects of high intensity atomic radiation on materials. It was also a source of neutrons for studying the structure of materials.

In 1981 parts of the Commission were split off to join the CSIRO. The remainder continued until 1987, when it was replaced by the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO).

ANSTO Act

ANSTO's responsibilities are set out by the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Act 1987. The functions of ANSTO, as stated in the Act, are basically a restatement of the functions of the old AAEC. The Act also stated categorically that 'the organisation shall not undertake research or development in the design or production of nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices'.

For more information on ANSTO's history:

• 60th anniversary commemorative micro site
• 50 Year brochure
• Australia's first reactor - HIFAR
• History of OPAL's development