ARPANSA is the Australian Government’s primary authority on radiation protection and nuclear safety.

We are an:

Independent regulator

We are the independent regulator of Commonwealth entities that use or produce radiation. Using a risk-informed regulatory approach, we ensure that licensees take responsibility for protection of people and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation. We:

• deliver regulatory services
• administer and maintain the Australian Radiation Incident Register
• assess and issue import and export permits and licensing
• provide approval and advice on the transport of radioactive material
• promote national uniformity in radiation protection policies and practices
• work to achieve the security of radioactive material.

Health advisor

We build and maintain expertise in the measurement of radiation and assessment of health impacts, including the assessment of risk and response to radiation incidents. We provide high-quality advice to the government and the community. We:

• provide radiation health advice
• deliver the Talk to a Scientist program
• provide advice on emergency preparedness and response in the event of a radiological emergency
• administer and maintain an ultraviolet radiation monitoring network
• maintain and monitor seven Australian stations according to the Comprehensive Nuclear‑Test‑Ban Treaty
• administer the Australian primary standard for absorbed dose.

Service provider

We offer high-quality services for the purpose of protection against the harmful effects of radiation. These include:

• ultraviolet radiation services
• radioanalytical services
• the Radiofrequency Calibration Service
• the Australian Clinical Dosimetry Service
• the National Diagnostic Reference Level Service
• the Personal Radiation Monitoring Service.

We also administer and maintain the Australian National Radiation Dose Register, and operate one of only four radon chambers in Australia.