IAEA Board of Governors
Agenda item 4: Nuclear and radiation safety
9 September 2024
Statement by H.E Ambassador Ian Biggs, Governor and Resident Representative of Australia to the IAEA
Thank you Chair.
Australia welcomes the opportunity to comment on the Director General’s Nuclear Safety Report 2024.
Chair
The report underscores the IAEA’s continued, wide-ranging, and unceasing efforts to enhance nuclear safety. Australia commends the work undertaken by the IAEA – under the leadership of the Director-General – to support nuclear safety in Ukraine, which continues to be undermined as a result of Russia’s illegal, unjust and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, including Russia’s illegal seizure of Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.
Chair
Australia is committed to improvement and innovation in key areas of nuclear and radiation safety, specifically harmonisation of our radiation safety regulatory systems, to ensure they are able to manage current and emerging challenges in the Asia-Pacific region.
Chair
Australia is committed to the objectives of the Convention on Nuclear Safety and to maintaining the highest possible standards of nuclear safety both domestically and further afield. Last week, Australia was proud to participate in, and serve as Vice President for, the Third Extraordinary Meeting of Contracting Parties to the Convention on Nuclear Safety. The outcomes of this meeting will ensure the Convention remains effective and efficient in improving and enhancing nuclear safety worldwide, particularly as we commence the 10th Review Cycle. In this regard, Australia wishes to congratulate Pakistan, Norway and Japan for being appointed to the Presidency team for the next cycle.
Chair
As a country which strongly supports the continuous strengthening and enhancement of regulatory infrastructure, Australia appreciates the significant practical contribution made to global nuclear safety by the Integrated Regulatory Review Service (IRRS). As noted in the Report, Australia was one of four member states to undertake an IRRS mission follow up, to review Australia’s progress against our previous mission in 2018. Australia wishes to thank the IAEA – and the many experts that contributed to the mission – for their work. Australia is also pleased that our multiple good practices over our IRRS missions have been published on the IAEA’s database of good practices, as a resource for Member States to enhance their regulatory infrastructure and oversight activities.
Chair
Australia continues to support the IAEA’s commitment to transparency in the safety review of the discharges of Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS) treated water at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station and the IAEA’s ongoing independent oversight and monitoring activities that provide confidence and ensure the protection of human health and the environment. Australia remains committed to working constructively with Pacific islands countries, including through the Pacific Islands Forum, to address regional priorities related to nuclear science and technology, and nuclear and radiation safety. These issues are also regularly discussed with other partners, including during the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting between Pacific Island Forum countries and Japan in July 2024.
Finally Chair
Australia greatly values the role of the IAEA and its contribution to nuclear safety, while ensuring the benefits of advances in nuclear technology – including nuclear medicines – are not only safe, but also affordable, equitable and sustainable.
With that, Australia is pleased to take note of the Nuclear Safety Report 2024.