Australia's role in the nuclear fuel cycle. A report to the Prime Minister by the Australian Science and Technology Council (ASTEC)

Results of an inquiry which was initiatd by the Australian Government in Novembr 1983 and which examined Australia's nuclear safeguards arrangements, the opportunities for Australia to advance the cause of nuclear non-proliferation, the adequacy of existing technology for the handling and disposal of radioactive wastes and ways in which Australia can further contribute to the development of safe disposal methods are presented. The report is also known as the Slatyer Inquiry. The 25 recommendations cover: export of Australia's uranium; participation in disarmament and arms control negotiations; the non-provision of nuclear items to non-NPT states; proposals for nuclear weapons free zones; guidelines for the supply of nuclear items; physical protection of nuclear material; regulating the storage and use of sensitive nuclear material; minimising the numbers of facilities such as enrichment and reprocessing plants; Australian participation in the nuclear fuel cycle; supporting safeguards operations by providing resources to the IAEA; supporting the IAEA's Program of Technical Assistance and Co-operation; participation in the IAEA; implementation of safeguards agreements; physical protection of nuclear materials during shipment; publicising administrative arrangements of safeguards agreements; limitation of releases of radioactive effluents; disposal of low and intermediate level wastes; standards for radiation exposure associated with uranium mining and milling; safety and environmental monitoring aspects of uranium mining and milling; a registry of radioactive tailings and waste disposal sites; ocean dumping; research into HLW disposal; support for R and D on Synroc and guidelines for HLW disposal