Regulation and Licensing

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For more information please get in touch with ARPANSA

ARPANSA's regulatory and licensing activities are performed by the Regulatory and Policy Branch located in the Sydney suburb of Miranda.

About Regulatory and Policy
Branch

We regulate the Australian Government and its contractors' uses of radiation sources and facilities and nuclear installations through the administration of the ARPANS Legislation.

ARPANS Legislation

In 1997, the Australian Government established ARPANSA as a new regulatory body with the ARPANS Legislation as the underpinning legislation.

Information For Applicants

This information will help answer some of your questions about licence applications.

Information For Licence Holders

This information will help you comply with your licence and meet your reporting obligations.

Incident and Accident Reporting

The licence holder must tell the CEO about the accident within 24 hours and provide a written report about the accident within 14 days.

Regulatory Guides

These guides have been developed to assist both applicants and licence holders achieve compliance with the ARPANS Act and Regulations.

Import & Export Permits

We issue licences for the import and export of radioactive materials. Who issues a licence will depend on who has jurisdiction in the particular situation.

Our Relationship with State and Territory Regulators

We share licensing responsibilities with state and territory regulators.

National and International Collaborations

ARPANSA is a significant contributor to radiation protection and nuclear safety organisations, worldwide.

HIFAR Reactor
(currently shutdown)

HIFAR is a 10 MW research reactor that commenced operation in 1958. The reactor was officially shutdown on 31 January 2007.

New OPAL Reactor

On 14 July 2006, Dr John Loy announced that he had issued a licence to the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) authorising it to operate the Open Pool Australian Light-water (OPAL) research reactor at Lucas Heights.

Regulatory Guidance for Radioactive Waste Management Facilities

This Guidance is intended to be used in relation to applications made under the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Act 1998 for a facility licence to prepare a site for, to construct, or to operate radioactive waste management facilities

ARPANSA's Response to the ANAO Audit Report of its Regulatory Functions

In 2004 the Australian National Audit Office(ANAO) investigated aspects of the licensing processes established by ARPANSA.

Integrated Regulatory Review Service - Mission to Australia

Under the Integrated Regulatory Review Service of the IAEA, an international team of experts in radiation and nuclear safety undertook a review of the regulatory framework.