Senator Ludlam

A. Has ASNO been requested by the WA government to provide briefings or information or any kind of support, formally or informally, regarding safeguard to non-proliferation measures, given that there is a proposition to introduce uranium mining in WA?

B. Are you in regular contact with the relevant departments in the WA government or was that a one-off event?

Answer

A. ASNO has on occasion provided advice to Western Australian Government officials on the operation of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation (Safeguards Act) 1987 as it applies to uranium mines. ASNO also participated in two events arranged by the Western Australian Department of Mines and Petroleum that focused on providing regulatory information to government officials and stakeholders from the uranium mining and exploration industry. These events were held on 20 October 2008 and 30 July 2009. ASNO provided information on permit requirements under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation (Safeguards Act) 1987 as they pertain to nuclear security and safeguards for uranium mines.

B. Discussions with WA Government officials will continue as required.