Government and international liaison

International participation in nuclear matters

ANSTO has representatives based both in the United States capital, Washington DC, and Vienna, home to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) where ANSTO provides essential support to Australia's role as a member of the IAEA Board of Governors.

Overall ANSTO plays a multifaceted role on the international stage. In science it constantly liaises with other scientific facilities undertaking similar work and scientists exchange information and knowledge almost daily. If ANSTO has equipment or expertise another organisation needs, a representative will come to ANSTO and vice versa. This type of cross pollination of ideas and knowledge is crucial for the development of ideas and making scientific breakthroughs.

Non-Proliferation and nuclear safeguards

In industry, ANSTO's expertise in certain technologies is also in demand and partnerships exist with businesses in various countries. ANSTO actively supports Australia’s obligations and duties under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) by facilitating the further application of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, particularly through cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.

In nuclear safeguards ANSTO has a key regional role in helping train personnel from Pacific basin countries to manage nuclear materials safely and securely. These relationships are also important in ensuring that countries not experienced in handling nuclear materials keep to international standards and best practice.

To look after many of these matters, ANSTO has a dedicated international liaison team which focuses on building relationships around the world. Specific emphasis is placed on ANSTO sharing its experience with neighbouring countries in the safe application of nuclear science and technology through arrangements such as: the Regional Cooperative Agreement (RCA) for Research, Development and Training in Nuclear Science and Technology for the Asia and Pacific Region; the Forum for Nuclear Cooperation in Asia (FNCA); the IAEA Technical Cooperation Program; and other IAEA programs.

The international liaison team also looks after bilateral cooperation with specific emphasis on establishing strategic relationsips with relevant nuclear organisations internationally, especially in the Asia-Pacific region, in alignment with ANSTO and national interests.

Skills development and future planning

ANSTO participates in research associated with the Generation IV International Forum which enables Australia to strengthen its nuclear technology skills base. This is an international collaborative venture aimed at advancing the development of the most promising next generation reactor technologies.

New reactor designs promise to increase safety, reduce radioactive waste production and proliferation risks. Whether or not Australia has a nuclear power industry, ANSTO's involvement would be globally beneficial and important to maintain skills and knowledge in Australia - particularly with many South East Asian countries rapidly advancing plans for the introduction of nuclear power.

Government and community liaison

ANSTO regularly communicates with its stakeholders, which includes the local community and councils, relevant Federal Ministers and other government-related personnel, both State and Federal, to ensure they are kept up to date about what's happening at ANSTO. There is also continual liaison with ANSTO's regulators, the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) and the Australian Safeguards and Non-proliferation Office (ASNO). ARPANSA also submits quarterly reports to the Federal Government about ANSTO operations and any changes which have needed regulatory approval. ANSTO is answerable to government and regularly attends Senate Estimates to answer any questions that arise from Government and the opposition.

The community is kept informed of ANSTO's  operations via this website, which publishes news updates such as media releases, and through broader media reporting.

Those who wish to get up close and personal can also visit ANSTO through a specially organised tour (minimum 12 people) or through public tours held two Saturdays per month.

Overall, ANSTO aims to be transparent at all times and keep the government and community informed about its important events, incidents and scientific outcomes.