The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) is celebrating 70 years of working to position Australia as one of the world’s most complex and sophisticated nuclear nations.
Marking the anniversary, ANSTO said its predecessor, the Australian Atomic Energy Commission (AAEC), was formerly established on 15 April 1953 by the Atomic Energy Act 1953.
“The legislation brought together all matters associated with atomic energy under one piece of legislation and enabled the development of a research reactor where atomic energy could be used for peaceful purposes,” ANSTO said.
“The main responsibilities of the Commission, as outlined in the legislation, were to: Search for mine and treat uranium in Australia with the power to buy and sell on behalf of the Australian Government; Develop practical uses of atomic energy by carrying out and assisting research; Constructing plant and equipment, employing and training staff; and Collecting and distributing information on uranium and atomic energy.”
It said the AAEC outlined a plan in 1953-1954 to carry out atomic research and development.
The basis for this was the establishment of a joint research and development program with the United Kingdom (UK) and the intention to lay the foundations in Australia for effective participation in the program.
“One of the Commission’s earliest recommendations was an up-to-date survey of atomic energy developments overseas,” ANSTO said.
“This is role that ANSTO continues today.”
The Organisation said that during the same period, a proposal encompassing an Australian-UK program of collaboration, the establishment of research laboratories in Australia and the commencement of research in selected fields of atomic energy technology, was approved by the Australian Government.
