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ACTING MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS

The Hon. Martin Ferguson AM MP

AUSTRALIA RANKED HIGHEST ON NUCLEAR SECURITY

Acting Foreign Minister Martin Ferguson welcomed today the findings of the independent  Nuclear Threat Initiative, which ranked Australia first for security among 32 countries with  significant holdings of nuclear material.

The Nuclear Threat Initiative is an internationally respected non-government organisation  that works to reduce global threats from nuclear, biological and chemical weapons.

“Published in the Nuclear Materials Security Index, the ranking confirms that world’s best  practice is being applied to secure nuclear material in Australia and reflects Australia’s high  international standing on nuclear security, safeguards and safety,” Mr Ferguson said.

Australia has a strong record of practical support for the global nuclear security framework,  being among the first countries to ratify the Convention on the Physical Protection of  Nuclear Material and its 2005 Amendment. Australia also has an active program of training  on nuclear and radioactive source security in the Asia-Pacific region.

“Australia will continue to work through the International Atomic Energy Agency and the  47-country Nuclear Security Summit process to further reduce the risks of nuclear material  falling into the hands of terrorists," Mr Ferguson said.

"These efforts are complemented by our well-recognised broader efforts to strengthen  global non-proliferation and security norms, including through the ten-nation Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Initiative which Australia established with Japan."

Security of nuclear materials in Australia is regulated by the Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office.

12 JANUARY 2012

