The Year Ahead
Australia regards the CTBT as a critical element of the multilateral non-proliferation and disarmament architecture and continues to provide significant political and practical support to promote entry into force of the treaty and to advance the work of the CTBTO. ASNO looks forward to working with Dr Floyd as CTBTO Executive Secretary.
International engagement to advance non-proliferation and disarmament has faced significant challenges since the global spread of COVID–19. ASNO continues to contribute to online activities in support of the CTBTO and IPNDV and to prepare for new activities that will help recovery following COVID-enforced delays.
Australia was nominated during the reporting period to participate in a UN-mandated Group of Government Experts on Nuclear Disarmament Verification. Although the dates of meetings for the Group are not clear at time of publication, ASNO expects to make a significant contribution to that work.
ASNO will continue to implement Australia's bilateral nuclear cooperation agreements (NCAs) and liaise with partners to streamline relevant accounting procedures and processes where possible. Administrative Arrangements (implementation documents pursuant to NCAs) will be updated as needed to ensure they reflect current working practices.
ASNO will continue to modernise security practices to facilitate the efficient and secure exchange of information with counterparts. While COVID–19 may prohibit face-to-face engagements and meetings with counterparts, we will seek to cooperate with overseas counterparts using alternative meeting methods.
ASNO will continue the development of the Nuclear Material Balance and Tracking (NUMBAT) database to improve the efficiency of its regulatory activities.
2022 will be the 25th anniversary of the CWC. Australia will continue to work closely with the OPCW, including in the capacity of Executive Council member until May 2022.
A key challenge for ASNO over the coming year will be assisting with the development and implementation of a new chemical database to support Australia's reporting obligations under the CWC. ASNO will continue to work to develop a new chemical database system with an industry access online portal.
ASNO will continue its efforts to promote effective safeguards implementation internationally, through its leadership role in the Asia-Pacific Safeguards Network (APSN).
ASNO will work with the IAEA and key nuclear stakeholders to facilitate international inspections while navigating the ever-changing dynamics of the COVID–19 pandemic.
Regarding domestic nuclear security, ASNO will focus on the review of the Periodic Safety and Security Review of the OPAL reactor and support the major review of the ANSTO permit to possess nuclear material. We will continue oversight of associated technology and uranium ore concentrate storage and transport.
Internationally, ASNO continues to support preparations for the 2022 Review Conference of the Amended Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material. We will continue to engage in the Nuclear Security Contact Group and the Nuclear Security Guidance Committee.
Australia's Permanent Representative, Ambassador Matthew Neuhaus, at the OPCW's 97th Executive Council Meeting, 6-9 July 2021. (Photo courtesy OPCW Flickr)
