The Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office (ASNO), is a unique organisation, being both a regulator – the national authority for nuclear and chemical weapons treaties - and the source of expert advice to Government in the technically complex area of non-proliferation treaties and verification mechanisms.
ASNO's placement in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade portfolio underpins DFAT's diplomatic efforts in these areas and has contributed to Australia's substantial international credibility and influence.
On 31 August 1998, the establishment of the ASNO was announced. ASNO combined the functions of the ASO, the CWCO and the ACTBO. The establishment of the position of Director-General ASNO was also created at this time, encompassing the statutory responsibilities of all three offices.
Our people
ASNO is a diverse team that includes people with technical backgrounds in science, engineering, mathematics as well as diplomats, strategic communications professionals, and policy experts.
ASNO staff have significant experience in verification techniques and methods to strengthen safeguarding regimes for weapons of mass destruction.
ASNO staff
Director General
Dr Geoffrey Shaw
Assistant Secretary, Nuclear Safeguards and Security Branch
Ms Charlotte East
Assistant Secretary, Non-Proliferation, Technology and Partnerships Branch
Dr Craig Everton
Communication and Governance Section
Acting director: Ms Felicity Spurrett
Chemical Weapons Convention Implementation Section
Director: Dr Josy Meyer
Nuclear Cooperation & Design Section
Director: Mr Alistair Knight
Nuclear Security Section
Director: Dr Vanessa Robertson
Safeguards Implementation Section
Director: Dr Kalman Robertson
Safeguards Policy Section
Director: Dr Stephan Bayer
Governance and legislation
ASNO operates under legislation administered by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, namely the:
- Nuclear Non-Proliferation (Safeguards) Act 1987 (Safeguards Act)
- Chemical Weapons (Prohibition) Act 1994 (the CWC Act)
- Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Act 1998. (CTBT Act)
The Director General of ASNO is an independent statutory office holder with specific powers and functions under these Acts, and additional powers delegated by the Minister for Foreign Affairs. In exercising these powers and functions, the Director General reports directly to the Foreign Minister and provides a standalone annual report to the Australian Parliament.
Our history
Australian Safeguards Office (ASO)
Australia ratified the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) in January 1973 and concluded what is now know as a Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement (CSA) with the international Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in 1974.
The Australian Safeguards Office (ASO) was established in 1974 within the then Australian Atomic Energy Commission to implement the IAEA safeguards agreement. Subsequently, the ASO expanded to encompass Australia's bilateral safeguards system.
In 1987 specific safeguards legislation – the Nuclear Non-Proliferation (Safeguards) Act 1987 – provided the legislative basis for ASO's nuclear safeguards and security activities across Australia and created the statutory position of Director of Safeguards.
In 1990, the ASO moved from Sydney to Canberra to better integrate the office into national policymaking and administration, and in 1994, the ASO transferred into the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
Chemical Weapons Convention Office (CWCO)
The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) is international treaty that prohibits the production, stockpiling and use of chemical weapons and their precursors. It entered into force in 1997.
Australia ratified the CWC in 1994 – one of the first countries to do so. Australia's obligations are implemented primarily through the Chemical Weapons (Prohibition) Act 1994, which created the Chemical Weapons Convention Office (CWCO) as Australia's National Authority for the CWC. The office was co-located with the Australian Safeguards Office.
The Director of Safeguards was appointed as both the Director of Safeguards and the Director of the CWCO. Both are statutory positions.
Australia Comprehensive Test Ban Office (ACTBO)
The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) prohibits all nuclear explosive testing for both civilian and military purposes and establishes a global monitoring network to verify compliance.
Australia ratified the CTBT in 1998. Australia's obligations are implemented primarily through the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Act 1998, which created the Australian Comprehensive Test Ban Office (ACTBO) as Australia's National Authority for the CTBT.
The Director of Safeguards was appointed as the Director of Safeguards, the Director of the CWCO and Director of the ACTBO. All three are statutory positions.
Annual reports
Information about ASNO's operations is available in our annual reports.
Contact us
Address
RG Casey Building
John McEwen Crescent
Barton ACT 0221
Australia
Contact numbers
- General enquiries: +61 2 6261 1920
- Media enquiries: +61 2 6261 1555
- General enquiries: asno@dfat.gov.au
- Chemical Weapons Convention enquiries: chemical.asno@dfat.gov.au
- Nuclear safeguards and non-proliferation enquiries: nuclear.asno@dfat.gov.au
- Media enquiries: media@dfat.gov.au