Nuclear Permits and Authorities Granted, Varied or Revoked between 1 July 2025 and 31 December 2025, under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation (Safeguards) Act 1987

Overview

The Nuclear Non-Proliferation (Safeguards) Act 1987 was enacted to establish a legislative framework for the regulation and control of nuclear materials in Australia, aiming to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons and to ensure that nuclear activities are conducted safely and securely. This Act was introduced to address the need for stringent oversight and control over nuclear materials to safeguard national security and comply with international obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. The Act empowers the Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office, under the authority of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, to grant, vary, or revoke permits for the possession of nuclear material, as well as to enforce compliance with the safeguards and security measures necessary to prevent nuclear proliferation. The policy objective of the Act is to maintain high standards of nuclear safety and security, thereby contributing to global efforts to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons. In accordance with the Act, the Director General of the Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office has the authority to issue notifications regarding the granting, variation, or revocation of permits for nuclear material possession. The notifications published under this authority ensure transparency and accountability in the management of nuclear materials within Australia. By detailing the specific actions taken between 1 July 2025 and 30 January 2026, the Act ensures that stakeholders are informed of changes in permit status, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of Australia's nuclear safeguards regime. The legislative framework provided by the Nuclear Non-Proliferation (Safeguards) Act 1987 thus plays a pivotal role in upholding Australia's commitment to nuclear non-proliferation and safety.

Scope and Application

The Nuclear Non-Proliferation (Safeguards) Act 1987 governs the possession, use, and control of nuclear material within Australia, ensuring compliance with international non-proliferation obligations. This Act applies to any person or entity involved in the handling of nuclear material, including businesses, research institutions, and government departments. The legislation's jurisdiction covers the entire Commonwealth of Australia, and it extends to any activity or transaction involving nuclear material. Notably, the Act does not apply to the Commonwealth or state-owned entities unless they are involved in activities related to nuclear material. The application of the Act can be further refined through subordinate instruments, which may specify detailed conditions or particular exclusions relevant to the types of nuclear material or the activities involved.

Key Provisions

The Gazette C2026G00066 outlines the permits and authorities granted, varied, or revoked under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation (Safeguards) Act 1987, specifically between 1 July 2025 and 31 December 2025. Section 13 of the Act pertains to the grants of permits to possess nuclear material. For instance, Adam and Andrea Goldrick of Suite 2, Level 7, 15 London Circuit, Civic ACT 2601, have been granted a permit (PN276) effective from 25 August 2025 until 31 October 2029. Similarly, Safe Radiation, with an ABN of 64 122 520 183, has been granted a permit (PN277) from 26 September 2025 to 30 November 2027. Tasman Rope Access, with an ABN of 27 604 876 324, and Adelaide University, with an ABN of 41 202 953 738, have also been granted permits (PN278 and PN279 respectively) effective from 26 September 2025 until 31 October 2029. The obligations and requirements imposed by the Nuclear Non-Proliferation (Safeguards) Act 1987 on the entities granted permits include adhering to the specific conditions outlined in their permits, such as the handling, storage, and use of nuclear material. Permit holders are required to ensure that all nuclear material is used solely for peaceful purposes, in accordance with international safeguards agreements. Additionally, permit holders must comply with all relevant regulations and directives issued by the Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office, including regular reporting and inspections to verify compliance with the Act and its associated regulations. The Act imposes serious consequences for any breaches, including potential criminal penalties and civil liabilities. Section 19 of the Act outlines the revocation of permits to possess nuclear material, which can occur if a permit holder fails to comply with the Act's requirements. For example, the permit for Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, ABN 42 100 504 883, was revoked effective 25 August 2025. Similarly, Alliance Integrity & Inspection Services T/A Alliance Solutions Group, with an ABN of 82 617 269 619, and Cleanaway Co Pty Ltd, with an ABN of 31 127 853 561, had their permits revoked on 26 September 2025 and 11 December 2025, respectively. The maximum penalties for breaches of the Act can include substantial fines and imprisonment, as detailed in the legislation, ensuring stringent enforcement of nuclear non-proliferation safeguards.