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AUKUS have made clear that Australia’s acquisition of conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines will be carried out in a manner that sets the highest non-proliferation standard whilst protecting classified information.
Australia has a proud record of leadership in the international nuclear non-proliferation regime.
Under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, Australia has committed to not receive, manufacture or otherwise acquire nuclear weapons.
Australia has long championed nuclear weapon-free zones and was a founding member of the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty (Treaty of Rarotonga). Australia remains a key driving force in support of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty.
Australia has outstanding non-proliferation credentials underpinned by 2 safeguards agreements with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). These are a Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement (CSA) and an Additional Protocol (AP). Australia has robust reporting and access obligations to the IAEA under both of these instruments.