30 April 2026
The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) have launched the Australian Government Radiological and Nuclear Events Plan (AUSRNEPLAN).
The plan outlines Australian Government coordination arrangements for an unlikely radiological or nuclear event.
Chief Radiation Health Scientist at ARPANSA, Dr Rick Tinker, says ‘ARPANSA has extensive experience supporting radiological event responses and works with national emergency agencies and regulators to promote consistent protection for people and the environment.'
‘Since being designated as the Australian Government Coordinating Agency for radiological and nuclear events in 2024, we have been coordinating across government to develop the plan,' Dr Tinker said.
‘The plan acknowledges the pivotal role states and territories play as the first responders to crises and establishes consistency in how the Australian Government can supports these efforts. Clarity of roles and responsibilities is crucial for ensuring that an Australian Government response is effective and sustains community trust.
‘Our plan reflects contemporary guidance and incorporates lessons identified through ongoing emergency preparedness exercises, our experience responding to incidents over many years, and our engagement with international authorities.
‘Emergency preparedness and response is one of ARPANSA’s key activities to ensure that the people and the environment are protected from the harmful effects of radiation.’
AUSRNEPLAN sets out the roles, responsibilities and coordination arrangements through which ARPANSA fulfills its role as the Australian Government Coordinating Agency under the Australian Government Crisis Management Framework (AGCMF) for radiological or nuclear incidents.
AUSRNEPLAN is one of many national plans that support the Australian Government’s ‘all hazards’ crisis management approach.
The plan outlines capabilities across the Australian Government to support a national level response when required.
AUSRNEPLAN is an enduring national plan and supersedes the interim plan published in 2024.
Read the new AUSRNEPLAN: https://www.arpansa.gov.au/research/radiation-emergency-preparedness-and-response
