The Australian Government is providing almost $7.5 million to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for two initiatives to boost nuclear safeguards development and implementation through improved technologies and education.

Nuclear safeguards, and their related verification techniques, help deter the spread of nuclear weapons through the early detection of any diversion of nuclear material from peaceful use, any misuse of nuclear material or technology, and of any undeclared nuclear material and activities.

Australia has been implementing the highest standard of nuclear safeguards for almost 50 years. The Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office (ASNO) manages the Australian Safeguards Support Program (ASSP), one of the first Member State Support Programmes established with the IAEA.

Dr Geoffrey Shaw, ASNO’s Director General said,

“At a time of increasingly complex and changing environments, it is important that the IAEA is funded and equipped to reduce the increased burdens on this unique multidisciplinary organization in the UN system.

Australia, via ASNO, will provide funding to the ASSP which will link Australia’s expertise in robotics, AI and advanced physics with the nuclear safeguards work of the IAEA. We are also providing additional in-kind technical assistance. These support measures will equip the IAEA to explore more effective, efficient, and technologically advanced methods to improve safeguards verification techniques.”

Additionally, ASNO recently funded the IAEA to deliver a Masterclass on Advanced Safeguards for seven countries from the Asia-Pacific Safeguards Network. Participants from the region gained a greater understanding of techniques, current approaches and best practices to apply a high standard of nuclear safeguards in their respective countries.

“Safeguards professionals must be equipped with the knowledge, skills, capabilities, and tools to navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing nuclear verification environment”,

said Massimo Aparo, IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Safeguards.

“I would like to express my appreciation to ASNO for their valuable support. Training efforts, such as the Masterclass on Advanced Safeguards, help to broaden awareness of what is required for effective and efficient safeguards implementation in States. At the same time, such IAEA Member State Support Programme financial and in-kind contributions play an important role in strengthening and sustaining IAEA safeguards.”

Australia has proud history of striving to meet the highest standards of nuclear non-proliferation. We remain steadfast in our support of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons as the cornerstone of the global nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament regime.