The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) is working with international experts from the Integrated Regulatory Review Service (IRRS) to strengthen the regulatory effectiveness of Australia’s nuclear, radiation, radioactive waste and transport safety.
Chief Executive of ARPANSA, Carl-Magnus Larsson (pictured) said he looked forward to collaborating with the IRRS.
Deputy Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Juan Carlos Lentijo, who officially opened the two-week mission, highlighted the importance of the project as it contributed to enhanced radiation safety.
“Countries that invite IRRS missions, such as Australia, demonstrate their openness and transparency,” Mr Lentijo said.
“They recognise learning through this program by opening themselves up to a peer-review that identifies areas for improvement.
“This shows they want to contribute to a stronger global safety regime by disseminating and setting up good practices, and understanding lessons learnt.”
Team leader of the IRRS, Petteri Tiippana said that although the mission was not an inspection or an audit, it was still a review from international peers benchmarking against IAEA safety standards.
“This mission will provide opportunities for team members and counterparts to learn from each other and share knowledge of the regulatory experience in different countries,” Mr Tiippana said.
Minister for Regional Services, Senator Bridget McKenzie, who had responsibility for ARPANSA, said it was the first time that Australia’s full Federal system of radiation protection and nuclear safety, including the Commonwealth, State and Territory levels, had been collectively benchmarked against international best practice.
