Who we are
The Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Regulator is:
- Australia’s independent regulator for naval nuclear propulsion.
- Established under the Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Act 2024 (ANNPS Act).
- Accountable to the Commonwealth Parliament, which represents Australians, and reports to the Minister for Defence.
Our objectives are to promote nuclear safety for the environment and people in relation to Australia’s naval nuclear power, as well as promote, monitor and enforce compliance with the Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Act 2024.
To be a trusted Regulator for Australia’s nuclear-powered submarines.
To protect the environment and people by providing independent assurance for nuclear safety of Australia’s Nuclear-Powered Submarine Program, while supporting Australia’s Defence interests and the AUKUS partnership.
We align with international best practice for nuclear safety and radiological protection, leverage our AUKUS partners’ experience, and adapt it to the Australian regulatory context.
We work collaboratively towards national uniformity, where appropriate, across the Commonwealth, State and Territory radiological, nuclear and environmental requirements.
We manage risk proportionally and have an adaptive regulatory approach inclusive of both prescriptive and principles-based approaches to achieve nuclear safety outcomes.
Given the uniqueness of both the operating environment and the military application, we use a graded regulatory approach to achieve our vision and mission.
Issue Licences:
Issue licences that allow the conduct of a regulated activity overseen by the statutory regulator.
Monitoring Powers:
Undertake compliance investigations with the provisions of the Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Act 2024 enforcement powers.
Investigative Powers:
Gather information and documents to ensure compliance with the Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Act 2024 and its regulations.
Enforcement Powers:
Take action against those who do not comply with the Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Act 2024 and its regulations, including civil penalty proceedings (where a court may order the non-compliant entity pay a fine) or the referral of criminal proceedings (which can result in fines and/or imprisonment).
Govern and control the office of the Regulator
Develop and maintain policy and regulation
Provide ongoing education internally and to the community
Conduct licensing for regulated activities
Conduct ongoing monitoring and compliance activities
Investigate and take regulatory action in response to nuclear safety matters and incidents
Support and enable the Regulator and its workforce
