Australia first in world for nuclear security

Media release

10 January 2014

Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop has welcomed Australia's top ranking in a global review of nuclear security.

For the second year running, Australia has been ranked first in the Nuclear Threat Initiative's assessment of nuclear security in countries with significant holdings of nuclear material.

The Nuclear Threat Initiative is a non-government organisation that works to reduce global threats from nuclear, biological and chemical weapons.

Australia has maintained its top ranking following reductions in its quantities of highly enriched uranium and ratification of the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism.

The ranking complements the findings of an International Atomic Energy Agency Physical Protection Advisory Service mission in November 2013 which concluded that nuclear security within Australia has long been of a high standard and has been significantly enhanced in recent years.

Australia looks forward to promoting strong outcomes at the upcoming Nuclear Security Summit in the Netherlands and will continue its active engagement on nuclear security and safeguards with the International Atomic Energy Agency and regionally through the Asia-Pacific Safeguards Network.

Security of nuclear materials and facilities in Australia is regulated by the Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office, a specialist office within the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.