Australia's nuclear security at a high standard

Nuclear security within Australia has long been "of a high standard" and has been "significantly enhanced" in recent years, a team of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) experts said on Friday by completing a mission to review nuclear security practices in Australia. Kristof Horvath from Hungary led the IAEA team, which included seven experts from six countries and the IAEA. And the IAEA conducted the two-week International Physical Protection Advisory Service (IPPAS) mission at the request of the government of Australia. The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) confirmed the IPPAS team concluded that nuclear security within Australia has long been of a high standard and has been significantly enhanced in recent years. "The team also identified a number of good practices at the country's nuclear facility, and provided some recommendations and suggestions to assist Australia in the continuing improvement of nuclear security," the DFAT added. According to a statement from DFAT, the mission reviewed Australia's nuclear security-related legislative and regulatory framework, physical protection systems at Australia's only nuclear facility, a research reactor operated by the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organization (ANSTO), and security arrangements applied to the transport of nuclear and other radioactive materials. "The development and expansion of nuclear power programs and other nuclear applications in member states require a strong commitment to nuclear security," said the IAEA's Director of the Office of Nuclear Security, Khammar Mrabit, who opened the mission. "The example set by Australia and by the other 38 states that have hosted IPPAS missions illustrates the value of the IAEA's Nuclear Security Guidance for improving global nuclear security, and in particular physical protection," he said.