30 October 2026
The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) has tabled its latest annual report in Parliament, informing the Australian Government and the public about its achievements, performance and financial position at the end of the 2025-26 reporting year.
Reflecting on the report, ARPANSA’s Chief Executive Officer Dr Gillian Hirth AO says the agency continued to meet its mandate of protecting the Australian people and the environment.
‘In 2025-26, ARPANSA continued to deliver critical services, health advice and regulation across a broad and dynamic work program’ Dr Hirth said.
‘This period saw a transition in ARPANSA’s contribution to regulation and stewardship for Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine enterprise, with the establishment of the Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Regulator (ANNPSR) on 1 November 2025.
‘We will continue to provide regulatory, scientific and technical services to ANNPSR to support consistent nuclear and radiological safety across Australia’s civilian and military programs.
‘As our role moves from direct regulatory responsibility to regulatory support and guidance, we are also implementing the enduring Australian Radiological and Nuclear Events Plan (AUSRNEPLAN) under the Australian Government Crisis Management Framework (AGCMF).’
ARPANSA has a long history of engaging with emergency services, government and other stakeholders to provide advice and guidance on radiological emergency preparedness and response.
‘Our plan reflects contemporary guidance and incorporates lessons learned from emergency preparedness exercises, our experience responding to incidents over many years, and our engagement with international authorities.’
Highlights from 2025-26 include:
- Launch of the enduring AUSRNEPLAN
- Transition of nuclear-powered submarine regulatory responsibility and licenses to ANNPSR
- Continued rollout of new laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and upgraded business and operational systems
- Supporting the delivery of world-leading bioelectromagnetics conference – BioEM 2026
- Publication of a Framework for Environmental Monitoring and Assessment and associated environmental measurement data
‘I hope you find the report informative as we reflect on the varied and important work ARPANSA undertakes to protect people and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation,' Dr Hirth said.
You can read the report on our website and the Australian Government’s Transparency Portal.
