Review of Regulatory Powers of the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency
The Australian government will review the regulatory powers of the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA).
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Previous MinistersThe Hon Catherine King MP
Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing
The Australian government will review the regulatory powers of the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA). The Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King, said today.
“I have requested the Department of Health and Ageing conduct a review of ARPANSA’s regulatory powers under the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Act to ascertain whether those powers are adequate, and if not, how the legislation should be updated.’ Ms King said.
This review follows the receipt of an independent audit by the Audit and Fraud Control Branch of the Department of Health and Ageing into ARPANSA’s handing of two safety incidents at ANSTO in September 2007 and August 2008.
The audit, requested by the new CEO of ARPANSA, found that while the incidents were investigated and concluded at the time, there was a lack of consistency in evidence and transparency in the handling of one of the incidents
“In light of the audit I support the decision of the ARPANSA CEO to reopen the investigation and I have asked the Department to work with ARPANSA in the appointment of an independent investigator to assist Dr Larsson with his inquiries” Ms King said.
The CEO has also instigated further action to improve ARPANSA’s regulatory functions including strengthening ARPANSA’s oversight of ANSTO and improving transparency within the agency.
Dr Larsson came to Australia from Sweden last year to take up the position of CEO of ARPANSA. He has been working to improve the effectiveness and transparency of radiation and nuclear safety regulation for all Australians.
For all media inquiries, please contact the Parliamentary Secretary's office 02 62774230
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