ARPANSA is integral to Australian Government efforts to maintain high levels of radiation protection, and of nuclear safety and security in Australia and around the world. ARPANSA collaborates with a range of international partners to contribute to the evolution of the international radiation protection and nuclear security and safety framework.
ARPANSA works closely with two international organisations – the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Both organisations are within the United Nations family.
IAEA
ARPANSA works with the IAEA's Member States and multiple partners worldwide to promote the safe use of:
- nuclear installations
- large radiation facilities
- radioactive sources
- radioactive materials in transport
- radioactive waste.
WHO
ARPANSA works with WHO to promote global best practice radiation protection. ARPANSA is a WHO Collaborating Centre for radiation protection.
International conventions and treaties
ARPANSA administers Australia's rights and obligations under the following international conventions and treaties:
- UN Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management, ratified by Australia in August 2003
- Convention on Nuclear Safety, ratified by Australia in March 1997.
- Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, ratified by Australia in July 1998
ARPANSA also administers Australia's rights and obligations under the Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident and the Convention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency. ARPANSA is the designated Australian Competent Authority for Radiation Emergencies for the implementation of these two Conventions:
- Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident ratified by Australia on 23 October 1987, and
- Convention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency, ratified by Australia on 23 October 1987.
See Early Notification and Assistance Conventions for more information on these conventions.
Non-binding international instruments
ARPANSA administers Australia’s political commitments to implement the IAEA Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources and act in a manner consistent with the IAEA Guidance on the Import and Export of Radioactive Sources.
International publications
Australian representatives participate in developing international publications on radiation protection and nuclear safety, in particular those produced by the IAEA.
