IAEA Board of Governors
Agenda item 6: Strengthening the Agency’s Activities Related to Nuclear Science, Technology and Applications
10 September 2024
Statement by H.E Ambassador Ian Biggs, Governor and Resident Representative of Australia to the IAEA
Thank you Chair.
The Director General’s report covers a wide range of beneficial uses of nuclear science and technology, which contribute to socioeconomic development – particularly in human health, food security, water management, and disease prevention.
Chair,
In accordance with our commitments under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Australia seeks to promote the fullest possible exchange of nuclear science and technology for peaceful purposes – particularly in our region, Asia and the Pacific. We have consistently demonstrated our commitment to this endeavour with strong financial and in-kind contributions to the IAEA – including in support of initiatives such as Rays of Hope, GloWAL, NUTEC Plastics and the Marie-Sklodowska Curie Fellowship Programme.
Chair,
Australia continues to support the IAEA’s efforts to assist member states in leveraging nuclear analytical techniques to protect and preserve cultural heritage. The Agency’s Webinar Series launched in October 2023, which attracted over 100 participants from 50 Member States was a welcome activity, and experts from the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) were pleased to participate to share their expertise in using nuclear techniques to characterise and preserve Australia’s cultural heritage, including those of our First Nations.
Chair,
Isotope hydrology has been, and continues to be, an important area of the IAEA’s work for Australia. As a continent known for its arid and semi-arid climate, implementing innovative approaches to managing our water resources and ensuring their sustainability is essential. As such, we firmly believe that the Global Water Analysis Laboratory (GloWAL) initiative will play an indispensable role in ensuring all Member States, including developing and least developed countries and small island developing states (SIDS) have access to isotope hydrology techniques for sustainable water management. Australia was also pleased to participate in the first coordination meeting of the GLOWAL network in June this year to share our perspectives on what is needed to drive innovation in this important scientific area.
Chair,
Australia is committed to and supportive of the Agency’s activities in Nuclear Knowledge Management (NKM). This year, Australia hosted its first IAEA NKM School at the Centre for Radiation Research, Education, and Innovation at the University of Adelaide. Australia is also actively involved in ANENT - the Asian Network for Education in Nuclear Technology – which celebrated its 20-year anniversary during the reporting period. We are pleased to have provided content, expertise and resources in support of ANENT’s activities.
Chair,
With one of the most well-utilised and effective research reactors in the world – the Open Pool Australian Lightwater Reactor (OPAL) – Australia recognises the essential role that safe, secure, and reliably operated research reactors play in the manufacture of nuclear medicines, in support of cutting-edge research, and in the provision of diverse services and products to industry.
Given the growing number of ageing research reactors, supporting Member States with ageing management and long-term operations remains crucial, and Australia is encouraged by the Agency’s ongoing work in this area, including through its Technical Working Groups.
Finally Chair,
Australia welcomes the forthcoming Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Science, Technology and Applications and the Technical Cooperation Programme. We thank the IAEA and the Conference Co-Presidents, Finland and Ghana, for their preparatory efforts. We are certain the Conference will be an immense success under their leadership.
With these comments, Australia takes note of the Director General’s report, and endorses its submission to the General Conference.