The Australian Government is now operating in line with Caretaker Conventions, pending the outcome of the 2025 federal election.

About the Australian Radioactive Waste Agency

The Australian Radioactive Waste Agency (ARWA) is responsible for safe and secure long-term management and disposal of our nation’s radioactive waste.

What we do

ARWA is an agency in the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, formed on 1 July 2020. 

Our work seeks to protect human health and safety and the environment now and for future generations. 

Our mandate is to set a responsible, sustainable approach to radioactive waste management in Australia. We do this by:

  • developing and maintaining the national radioactive waste inventory
  • developing national radioactive waste policy
  • engaging with stakeholders in Australia and internationally
  • carrying out agreed plans for managing and disposing of radioactive waste
  • giving expert advice to the Australian Government, waste holders, the public and other stakeholders.
Australia Radioactive Waste Agency logo

Meet our CEO

Sam Usher
ARWA Chief Executive Officer
Sam has over 30 years of experience in nuclear and radioactive waste management in both the public and private sector. He has managed a range of nuclear operations and programs, including radioactive waste management and disposal for low, intermediate and high-level wastes.

Developing and delivering Australia’s radioactive waste management policy

The National Radioactive Waste Management Act 2012 is the legislative framework that guides siting and establishing a facility to manage radioactive waste in Australia. 

Stringent standards apply when managing radioactive waste. We work with the independent regulator of Australian radioactive material, the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA), to enable safety.

The Australian Radioactive Waste Management Framework sets out principles and long term goals for radioactive waste management in Australia.

Read how we engage with the public and domestic stakeholders.

Meeting international radioactive waste obligations and standards

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) sets global standards for managing radioactive waste safely.

Australia is a member state of the IAEA and a signatory of its Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and Safety of Radioactive Waste Management. 

Under the Joint Convention we must:

  • create and maintain a legislative and regulatory framework to govern the safety of radioactive waste
  • protect people and the environment against hazards from these materials.

Read how we engage with international stakeholders.

More information

Read more about ARWA’s work to safely manage Australia’s radioactive waste
Read about the past siting process for a national radioactive waste management facility

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