Australia has once again been recognised as a global leader in nuclear security, retaining its position as the highest-ranked country in the world for Securing Materials Against Theft in the 2026 NTI Nuclear Security Index.
Australia has held the top ranking in this category since 2016, reflecting a sustained commitment to strong nuclear security governance, physical protection, material accountability, and insider threat mitigation. The country also ranked equal fourth globally for Protecting Facilities Against Sabotage.
The 2026 Index identifies Australia as part of a new group of international nuclear security leaders helping drive global progress through strong domestic performance, international engagement, and support for nuclear security initiatives worldwide.
Developed by the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) and Economist Enterprise, the Index is widely regarded as the world's leading benchmark of nuclear security performance.
Australia's achievement reflects the collective efforts of nuclear operators, regulators, and government agencies, including ANSTO's ongoing commitment to maintaining robust nuclear security and safeguards arrangements.
ANSTO's security program is regularly assessed through inspections, audits, and verification activities conducted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office (ASNO), ARPANSA, and other regulatory bodies. An independent audit also recognised strengths in ANSTO's governance, security culture, assurance activities, and regulatory engagement.
Together, these outcomes reinforce Australia's reputation as one of the world's most secure nuclear nations. Through ongoing collaboration, knowledge sharing, and regional engagement, ANSTO also supports efforts to strengthen nuclear security capability and best practice across the Indo-Pacific.
For more information, visit the NTI Nuclear Security Index – Findings.