Requirement to implement the physical protection measures under the amended Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM) to protect nuclear materials in domestic use, transport and storage, and nuclear facilities against sabotage

Description of issue

The CPPNM appears as Schedule 4 of the ("the Act"). The CPPNM was amended by agreement of the States Parties to the Convention on 8 July 2005. The most significant difference from the original CPPNM are the new requirements to protect nuclear facilities and nuclear materials in domestic use, transport and storage, including measures to protect nuclear facilities against sabotage. These requirements come into effect following the entry into force of the Amendment to the Convention which requires two thirds of the 112 States Parties to have either ratified, accepted or approved the Amendment. The amended CPPNM requires changes and additions to the provisions of the Act - notably offences under Part III, Division 2 and Schedule 4.

Consultation opportunities

The proposed changes are unlikely to have any general impact on businesses or Government agencies in Australia. The changes may affect Permits (issued under the Act) to possess or transport nuclear materials. Permit Holders are required to apply appropriate physical protection measures to nuclear materials in their possession and nuclear facilities covering most, if not all the new CPPNM requirements. Nevertheless, consultations will be conducted directly with those whose interests may be affected by the new requirements, and they will be given an opportunity to comment on the proposed change before it is finalised.

Expected timetable

The amendment to the Safeguards Act is expected around mid 2006.

Date last modified

5 December 2005.

Contact details

Nick Doulgeris

Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office

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

Email: asno@dfat.gov.au