The Australian Radioactive Waste Agency (ARWA) is responsible for safe and secure long-term management and disposal of our nation’s radioactive waste.
There are a number of other Commonwealth agencies involved with managing radioactive waste. We work with them to meet strict safety, security, safeguard and environmental guidelines.
Australia’s Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation
ANSTO (external link) (Australia’s Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation) delivers benefits to Australia by:
- delivering world-class nuclear research with real world applications
- producing life-saving nuclear medicine
- providing nuclear expertise to governments, academia, and industry
- growing Australia’s nuclear workforce of the future.
We work with ANSTO to advance safe, long-term, sustainable waste lifecycle solutions.
Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency
The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (external link) (ARPANSA) is Australia’s primary authority on radiation protection and nuclear safety. ARPANSA is the Commonwealth regulator.
We maintain a high-level of dialogue with ARPANSA through the ARPANSA - ARWA Liaison Forum (external link).
Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office
The Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office (external link) (ASNO) ensures Australia’s compliance with international obligations on nuclear non-proliferation, safeguards and protection of nuclear material. This includes complying with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation (Safeguards) Act 1987.
Australian Submarine Agency
The Australian Submarine Agency (external link) (ASA) is responsible for Australia’s conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarine program under the AUKUS partnership. Read more from ASA about their nuclear stewardship and waste (external link).
Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (external link) (DCCEEW) considers environmental impact of radioactive waste under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).
ARWA engages with international bodies to improve capabilities and networks by participating in:
- international best practice forums and committees
- technical meetings and conferences
- collaborative research programs
- targeted bilateral agreements.
International Atomic Energy Agency
The International Atomic Energy Agency (external link) (IAEA) develops internationally recognised safety standards. These provide fundamental principles, requirements and recommendations to ensure nuclear safety, including radioactive waste management.
Nuclear Energy Agency
The Nuclear Energy Agency (external link) (NEA) is an intergovernmental agency under the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (external link) (OECD). The NEA is a forum for sharing information, experience and promoting international co-operation.
Overseas national waste organisations
ARWA also engages with radioactive waste management organisations in other countries to share best practice on radioactive waste management.
We work with Australia’s radioactive waste holders and producers to produce the national inventory of radioactive waste. These waste holders need to meet state and territory regulations.
As we work with stakeholders to develop a nationally coordinated approach to manage radioactive waste, the inventory will become more complete.
Creating sustainable relationships to listen, learn and share knowledge is critical to managing radioactive waste in Australia. We are committed to engaging with local communities and interested parties on radioactive waste matters. This includes First Nations and regional communities.