SENATOR THE HON PENNY WONG
LEADER OF THE GOVERNMENT IN THE SENATE
MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS

The Australian Government is strengthening nuclear safeguards to help prevent the spread of nuclear weapons.

Safeguards, and their related verification techniques, deter the spread of nuclear weapons through the early detection of the misuse of nuclear material or technology.

Australia has been implementing the highest standards of nuclear safeguards for almost 50 years and was one of the first countries to establish a nuclear safeguards support program with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

With a new $7.5 million investment, Australia will provide funding to connect Australian expertise in robotics, AI and advanced physics with the nuclear safeguards work of the IAEA. This will equip the IAEA to develop more effective and technologically advanced methods to improve safeguards verification techniques.

This week, the Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office is hosting seven countries from the Asia-Pacific Safeguards Network to attend a Masterclass on Advanced Safeguards, delivered by the IAEA. Participants will be provided with a greater understanding on techniques, current approaches and best practice in applying high standards of nuclear safeguards in their countries.

Australia is committed to a world without nuclear weapons and has a proud history of meeting the highest standards of nuclear non-proliferation. We strongly support the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons as the cornerstone of the global nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament regime.

Media Contact:
Foreign Minister's Office: +61 2 6277 7500

Authorised by Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Australia.