Requirement to classify and protect sensitive nuclear technology and nuclear security information

Description of issue

Proposal to amend the Nuclear Non-Proliferation (Safeguards) Act 1987
to provide for the establishment of procedures to classify and protect:

• associated technology;
• information, the unauthorised disclosure of which could prejudice physical
  protection arrangements for nuclear material or associated equipment;

and establish a penalty for breach of these procedures by any person authorised
by a permit holder to handle such protected technology or information.

The purpose for the proposal is to protect information that could assist
anyone in gaining unauthorised access to a nuclear installation, to nuclear
material or to sensitive nuclear technology.

The change is likely to have only minimal impact on business as the main
nuclear installation in Australia is run by the Commonwealth Government.

Consultation opportunities

The proposed change will have its primary impact on as small number of organisations
and one Government organisation. Consultations will be conducted directly
with those organisations affected, and these will be given the opportunity
to comment on the proposed change before it is finalised.

Expected timetable

The amendment to the Safeguards Act is expected around mid 2003.

Date last modified

6 November 2002.

Contact details

Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade


Tel: (02) 6261 1920 | Fax: (02) 6261 1908

Email:asno@dfat.gov.au