50 Years of Safeguarding Australia’s Nuclear Interests

Australia remains steadfast in its commitment to never acquire nuclear weapons.

ASNO ensures Australia meets its international nuclear non-proliferation treaty obligations through stringent domestic regulations. In 1974, the Australian Government signed the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

ASNO continues to implement this agreement, enabling the IAEA to verify that Australia is not diverting nuclear materials or misusing facilities to develop nuclear weapons.

Over the years, ASNO's mandate has expanded to include significant roles in the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) and chemical weapons non-proliferation. ASNO works to ensure Australia’s compliance with the CTBT, which aims to ban all nuclear explosions, and supports the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), which prohibits the development, production, acquisition, stockpiling, and use of chemical weapons.

ASNO is also deeply involved in international collaborations, working closely with global partners to enhance non-proliferation efforts. This includes its collaboration with the IAEA and AUKUS partners to develop a pioneering safeguard arrangement for Australia’s conventionally armed nuclear-powered submarine program, setting the highest non-proliferation standards.

ASNO remains dedicated to enhancing global non-proliferation verification standards and supporting regional partners in fulfilling their non-proliferation commitments. Through these international collaborations, ASNO plays a crucial role in strengthening global security and eliminating weapons of mass destruction.