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Industry, science & resourcesStatutory authorityExists today

Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation

ANSTO

27 April 1987 – present

Australia's national nuclear science and technology organisation, operating the OPAL research reactor at Lucas Heights, producing nuclear medicines, and running the Australian Synchrotron and neutron-scattering and accelerator facilities for researchers and industry.

How it came into existence

Established on 27 April 1987 under the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation Act 1987, replacing the Australian Atomic Energy Commission and taking over its Lucas Heights research establishment, staff and research programs.

Legislation: Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation Act 1987

Changes during its life

  1. 2007The OPAL research reactor replaced the HIFAR reactor, which had been shut down in January 2007.
  2. 2013ANSTO took over operation of the Australian Synchrotron in Melbourne.

Main functions

  • Operation of the OPAL multi-purpose research reactor
  • Production of nuclear medicines and radioisotopes
  • Nuclear science research and advice to government
  • Operation of the Australian Synchrotron
  • Neutron scattering and accelerator science facilities
  • Management of radioactive waste arising from its operations

Where it sits

In the portfolio of Department of Industry, Science and Resources.

Type of body
Corporate Commonwealth entity
Portfolio
Industry, Science and Resources
Accountable authority
Board of Directors of the Organisation – Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation Act 1987 sections 4 and 8, with reference to sections 14 and 21C notes (membership section 9)
ABN
47 956 969 590

Lineage

Loading lineage…

Sources

Government records and websites