Establishment

ARPANSA was established by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Act 1988 and commenced operations on 5 February 1999. It was created from the merger of the Australian Radiation Laboratory in Melbourne and the Nuclear Safety Bureau in Sydney.

ARPANSA sits within the portfolio of the Department of Health.

Administrative information

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

ARPANSA regulates Commonwealth entities using radiation with the objective of protecting people and the environment from the harmful effect of radiation.

ARPANSA undertakes research, provides services, and promotes national uniformity and the implementation of international best practice across all jurisdictions. As at April 1999, the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency still maintains offices in Sydney and Melbourne, however, despite the two locations, it is considered to be one agency.

Historical agency address

1999- : Sydney, NSW
1999- : 619 Lower Plenty Road, Yallambie, Melbourne, 3085