9 May 2025
ARPANSA presented Australia’s 2024 National Report at the recent International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Joint Convention, demonstrating how Australia meets its international obligations regarding the safe management of radioactive waste.
The Joint Convention recognised Australia’s good practice in regulatory guidance for radioactive waste disposal, through implementing the broader World Health Organization (WHO) definition of health to protect people from harmful effects of radiation.
Australia was represented by ARPANSA, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) and the Australian Radioactive Waste Agency (ARWA), alongside more than 1,000 delegates from 77 countries that met in Vienna for the Joint Convention’s 8th Review Meeting.
The Australian Government’s commitment to supporting a robust radioactive waste management program was also acknowledged.
The Australian Government has provided significant investment to develop and implement a responsible and sustainable approach for the long-term management and permanent disposal of the Australia’s radioactive waste.
Dr Rick Tinker, ARPANSA’s Chief Radiation Health Scientist and Head of Australia’s delegation, said the Joint Convention continued its important work of enhancing the safety of radioactive waste and spent fuel management and promoting an effective nuclear safety culture worldwide.
‘In a global forum among leading experts, we are exchanging information and experiences in an open and transparent manner, which improves practices, increases accountability and lifts international safety standards,’ Dr Tinker said.
‘We are proud to represent Australia as we continue to meet our ongoing obligations of the Joint Convention on regulatory, operational and technical matters, by sharing our experiences to promote good practices and areas of good performance, and learning from our international counterparts.’
ARPANSA has participated at every Joint Convention since its establishment in 2003 and continues to demonstrate to the world its commitment to address the safe management of radioactive waste.
