Australian Atomic Energy Commission
AAEC
15 April 1953 – 27 April 1987
Statutory commission responsible for Australia's atomic energy research and for uranium matters, which built and ran the Lucas Heights research establishment and its HIFAR research reactor near Sydney.
How it came into existence
Established under the Atomic Energy Act 1953, which commenced on 15 April 1953; commissioners had first been appointed on an interim basis in November 1952. It was a new body taking over the Commonwealth's atomic energy and uranium interests.
Legislation: Atomic Energy Act 1953
Changes during its life
- January 1958The HIFAR research reactor at Lucas Heights began operating.
- Nuclear safeguards
- Nuclear material accounting
How it ended
Replaced on 27 April 1987 by the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation under the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation Act 1987; its nuclear safeguards work passed to the new Australian Safeguards Office.
- Lucas Heights research establishment and HIFAR reactor
- Nuclear research
- Radioisotope production
Main functions
- Nuclear science and engineering research
- Operation of the Lucas Heights research establishment and HIFAR reactor
- Production of radioisotopes
- Uranium exploration, production and sales oversight
- Advice to government on atomic energy
- Nuclear safeguards and materials accounting
Where it sits
Last in the portfolio of Department of Science.
Lineage
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Sources
Other sources
Some dates or links for this organisation are not fully confirmed. Corrections are welcome.