Australia gives $10 Million to Help Dismantle Old Nuclear Submarines

I am pleased to announce that Australia's $10 million contribution to the G8 Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons of Mass Destruction will be used to help dismantle nuclear submarines decommissioned from the Russian Pacific fleet.

Australia, one of 13 non-G8 countries participating in the Partnership, will work with Japan and Russia under an existing agreement covering this work in the Russian Far East.

More than 40 decommissioned nuclear submarines are moored in the Russian Far East posing possible proliferation and environmental threats.

The Global Partnership identified the dismantling of such submarines as a priority in the fight against the spread of weapons of mass destruction. Following the announcement of the $10 million contribution by Prime Minister Howard on 5 June, the Australian Government decided to direct the money towards this end.

Australia regards the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction as one of the greatest security challenges facing the world. Terrorist interest in these weapons makes the Partnership's efforts all the more urgent.

The submarine project supports global non-proliferation efforts by reducing the danger that nuclear fuel on board could find its way into rogue states.

Australia was also attracted to this particular project because it is located within our own region and adds to Asia-Pacific security and safety in the key North Asia region.

Australia's participation in the Global Partnership further underlines our strong support for practical efforts to prevent the spread of weapons of mass destruction.

The Global Partnership was launched in June 2002 at the G8 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada, to address non-proliferation, disarmament, counter-terrorism and nuclear safety issues, initially in Russia.

G8 countries pledged to raise up to $20 billion to support such projects over the next 10 years. Other countries were also invited to participate. Australia was one of seven additional non-G8 countries whose decision to take part was announced at the 2004 G8 Summit at Sea Island.

Australia looks forward to working with Japan and Russia on this important work.

Media inquiries: Chris Kenny (Ministerial) 02 6277 7500 - Julie McDonald (Departmental) 02 6261 1555