Overview of Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office
The goal of Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office (ASNO) is to enhance Australian and international security through activities which strengthen the effectiveness of regimes against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
ASNO ensures that Australia's international obligations are met under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Australia's NPT safeguards agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Amended Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (A/CPPNM) and Australia's nuclear cooperation agreements. In the nuclear area, ASNO has four main areas of responsibility:
- the application of safeguards in Australia
- the physical protection and security of nuclear items in Australia
- the operation of Australia's network of nuclear cooperation agreements, including tracking Australia's uranium exports
- contribution to the operation and development of IAEA safeguards and the strengthening of the international nuclear non-proliferation regime.
ASNO ensures that Australia's international obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) are met while at the same time ensuring that the rights of relevant areas of the chemical industry are protected. ASNO also promotes effective international implementation of the CWC, particularly in Australia's immediate region.
ASNO co-ordinates work in Australia developing the verification system for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), including facilitating the operation of 21 Treaty monitoring facilities in Australia. ASNO also contributes to the technical work of the CTBTO Preparatory Commission in developing procedures for the conduct of CTBT verification activities.
The position of Director General, Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office (ASNO) embraces the statutory responsibilities of Director of Safeguards, Director, Chemical Weapons Convention Office (CWCO) and Director, Australian Comprehensive Test Ban Office (ACTBO). The Director General reports directly to the responsible Minister for Foreign Affairs.
