Australia's South East Asia Regional Security of Radioactive Sources Project (Achievements and Lessons Learned)

In 2004, as part of the Australian Government's commitment to a broad range of counter-terrorism cooperation in South East Asia, the Regional Security of Radioactive Sources (RSRS) Project was created by the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO). The RSRS Project's purpose is to reduce Australian and other States' vulnerabilities to the unauthorised acquisition and malicious use of high activity, dangerous radioactive sources by working with Australia's neighbouring countries to improve their physical protection and security management of radioactive sources and their associated facilities throughout their life-cycle. In addition, should prevention measures fail, the RSRS Project aims to improve those countries' radiological emergency preparedness and response capabilities to deal effectively and safely with radioactive sources out of regulatory control and malicious acts involving radioactive materials. Covering both policy and operational matters, the RSRS Project cooperates with partner countries' relevant organisations and other entities to develop and deliver their own effective and sustainable radioactive source security programs, consistent with the Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources and other international guidance and requirements. This paper reviews the achievements and lessons learned from such international cooperation. (author)