What is the Australian Government Radiological and Nuclear Events Plan (AUSRNEPLAN)?
The AUSRNEPLAN guides how the Australian Government coordinates its response to a radiological or nuclear incident that require a whole-of-Australian Government response. It aligns with the Australian Government Crisis Management Framework.
The plan supports consistent crisis management through key coordination arrangements between Australian Government agencies and with state and territory governments. By providing a clear and consistent guide, the AUSRNEPLAN helps strengthen Australia’s ability to respond to rare radiological or nuclear incidents.
What types of incidents does AUSRNEPLAN cover?
The AUSRNEPLAN applies to a range of radiological or nuclear incidents, including incidents involving nuclear facilities, radioactive materials in transport or industry, malicious acts, or the re-entry of space debris that may affect Australians or Australian interests.
These incidents can range in size and complexity, from localised to large-scale incidents that may have with long-term health or environmental impacts. The plan provides a framework to manage these diverse scenarios in a coordinated and proportionate way.
For example, during the 2025 Middle East conflict, ARPANSA assisted the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), which led the Australian Government’s response. We provided expert advice on potential radiological risks that may arise from the conflict, to help inform DFATs advice for Australians in the region and national and international operators responding to that incident. This advice included if there would be a need to shelter, the use of KI tablets and assessments of the overall radiological risk level. Our support to DFAT during that time has been used to update the advice on the Smart Traveller website for Australians that might be exposed to a nuclear incident while they are abroad: There's a nuclear incident | Smartraveller
Who is responsible for responding to a radiological or nuclear incident?
States and territories lead the response to incidents, including protecting people, property and the environment. They maintain their own operational plans, resources and capabilities to manage incidents at the local level.
The Australian Government supports this response by coordinating national capabilities and providing additional resources and expertise where needed. AUSRNEPLAN outlines how this support is delivered in a coordinated manner.
Does the AUSRNEPLAN replace state and territory arrangements?
No. The plan does not replace existing state and territory emergency arrangements or legislative responsibilities, and they remain the lead responders for incidents within their boundaries.
Instead, AUSRNEPLAN complements these arrangements by outlining how the Australian Government coordinates its support, so national capabilities and resources enhance response efforts rather than duplicate them.
What is ARPANSA’s role under AUSRNEPLAN?
ARPANSA is the Australian Government Coordinating Agency which coordinates Australian Government support during radiological and nuclear incidents, by providing technical expertise and advice, monitoring the situation, and helping ensure national decisions and communication are informed and consistent.
ARPANSA also supports crisis communications and works closely with states and territories to ensure that Australian Government capabilities are effectively integrated into local response efforts.
How does the Australian Government coordinate its response?
The Australian Government coordinates its response through established approaches, with the Radiation Emergency Coordination Centre (RECC) acting as the central coordination hub.
The RECC brings together technical experts and representatives from the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), the Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office (ASNO) and Defence who will use monitoring, modelling and analysis to assess the situation and provide coordinated advice to support decision making.
When activated under the AUSRNEPLAN, the RECC gathers and analyses information from states and territories, national systems and international partners, to ensure response actions are aligned and proportionate.
What capabilities does the Australian Government provide to states and territories?
The Australian Government provides specialised capabilities that support state and territory response efforts, including technical advice, radiological modelling, laboratory analysis, and access to national coordination systems and expertise.
These capabilities are designed to complement state and territory resources, particularly in areas that are complex, resource-intensive, or not required on a day-to-day basis within states and territories.
Are state and territories expected to maintain all radiological capabilities?
No. The plan recognises that radiological and nuclear incidents are relatively rare and that maintaining all specialised capabilities at the state and territory level is not practical.
Instead, a federated model may be used, where state and territories maintain core capabilities and can access additional national resources and expertise us and other parts of Australian Government when needed.
How are incidents identified and escalated to ARPANSA?
States and territories can report potential radiological or nuclear incidents through ARPANSA’s 24/7 Incident Response Officer service. This service also monitors ARPANSA’s and international monitoring sources and systems for incidents and assesses potential risks.
The AUSRNEPLAN has 4 levels of incident severity with identified levels of needed response, each identified incident is assessed then assigned to the appropriate phase. To escalate or de-escalate, decisions are made based on the severity, complexity, and potential impacts of the incident. For more information on how ARPANSA and the International Atomic Energy Agency determine the scale of nuclear and radiological events visit: https://www.arpansa.gov.au/regulation-and-licensing/licensing/information-for-licence-holders/reporting-an-accident/ines-scale
How are radiological or nuclear incidents managed alongside other hazards?
Radiological and nuclear incidents are managed within an all-hazards framework. This means they may occur alongside other emergencies such as bushfires, floods, or industrial accidents and the response is coordinated.
This approach allows radiological and nuclear expertise to be integrated into broader emergency management arrangements, ensuring a coordinated and effective response across multiple hazards.
Where can I find further information about how the Australian Government supports radiological emergency preparedness and response?
For further information on the AUSRNEPLAN please email AUSRNEPLAN@arpansa.gov.au
