SENATOR JOHN FAULKNER Minister for Defence

www.defence.gov.au

Wednesday, April 14 2010 032/2010

Nuclear Security Summit

Australia views nuclear terrorism as a real and serious global threat and strongly supports the outcomes of the Nuclear Security Summit as set out in the Summit communiquÃÂ© and workplan.

Australia welcomes and joins President Obama’s call to secure all vulnerable nuclear material in four years, as we work together to enhance nuclear security.

The Summit has endorsed a program of actions that will enhance the security of nuclear materials around the world, in particular:

Ã¯ÂÂ· To enhance nuclear security to counter the challenge of nuclear terrorism;

Ã¯ÂÂ· To fully implement all existing nuclear security commitments and work towards acceding to those not yet joined;

Ã¯ÂÂ· To commit to international cooperation and capacity-building efforts, and to reaffirm the essential role of the International Atomic Energy Agency in the international nuclear security framework.

The Summit adds momentum at an important time for nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation and security which has seen the signing of a new START treaty by USA and Russia, the release of the US Nuclear Posture Review, the launch of the report of the International Commission on Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament co-chaired by Australia and Japan, and preparations for the upcoming NPT Review Conference in May.

Australia has a long record of strong support for the global nuclear security framework.

We were among the first to ratify the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and its 2005 Amendment.

We converted from highly enriched uranium to low-enriched uranium based technologies for research reactor fuel and radioisotope production.

We have a strong program of regional outreach and training in nuclear and radioactive source security.

Australia has also contributed to the IAEA’s nuclear security fund and was active in the establishment of the World Institute for Nuclear Security. In support of the CommuniquÃÂ© and Work Plan, Australia will work to ratify the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism in the coming year.

We are also continuing to work with the IAEA and are inviting the Agency to inspect the security arrangements at Australia’s nuclear facilities at Lucas Heights.

Australia will continue its outreach program support of the IAEA in South East Asia.

Momentum towards greater global nuclear security must be maintained by the international community and as always, Australia will play its part.

This Summit has been a historic opportunity to build international consensus to tackle these critical issues.

Media note: Imagery from the Nuclear Security Summit and of the Minister’s meeting with US Secretary for Defense is available at:

http://www.minister.defence.gov.au/faulkner/gallery.htm

Nuclear Security Summit Communique and Work Plan is available at:

http://www.america.gov/relations/nonproliferation.html

Media Contacts Michael Nguyen (John Faulkner): 02 6277 7800 or 0429 571 843 Defence Media Liaison: 02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664

