Australia’s nuclear submarine program gets its own safety watchdog

Credit: BAE Systems

A new independent regulator has been launched to oversee nuclear safety in Australia’s future submarine fleet, with Michael Drake appointed as the agency’s first Director-General under the Albanese Government’s landmark defense initiative.

As disclosed, the new statutory agency is responsible for the effective regulatory oversight of Australia’s naval nuclear propulsion capabilities, providing independent assurance that the highest standards of nuclear safety and radiological protection are upheld.

The new agency has been working closely with the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA), the Commonwealth authority on radiation protection and nuclear safety, to ensure a smooth transition of regulatory oversight.

Headquartered in Canberra, the agency will have a presence across the country as well as overseas. Over the coming years, it will continue to expand its footprint in Western Australia and South Australia.

The Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Regulations 2025, relating to licensing facilities and materials for activities related to naval nuclear propulsion, have been made following extensive consultation, including formal public consultation in July 2025.

Subsequent regulations will focus on future phases of the optimal pathway including Australia’s acquisition and operation of Virginia class submarines and the construction and operation of Australia’s SSN-AUKUS submarines.

This new regulatory framework is underpinned by the highest international nuclear safety standards, drawing on more than 70 years of safe nuclear propulsion practices in the United States and United Kingdom, tailored to Australia’s operating environment. 

Relevant licences issued by ARPANSA, including in relation to the Controlled Industrial Facility at HMAS Stirling, will now transition to the new Regulator. 

ARPANSA will continue to provide scientific and technical support to the new Regulator, and the two Regulators will work together to support consistent nuclear and radiological safety across Australia’s military and civilian activities.

“The agency brings expertise from across Australia and internationally, with a clear mandate to deliver independent, evidence-based regulation. We are committed to working with all Australian stakeholders and our AUKUS partners to uphold the highest standards of nuclear safety and radiological protection,” Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Regulator, Michael Drake, stated.

Source: navaltoday.com