FEDERAL Government agencies have issued a warning to Australian consumers to be aware of domestic import regulations, after a Sydney man was sentenced for the importation and possession of nuclear material without appropriate permits.
The man becomes the first person to be sentenced under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation (Safeguards) Act 1987, as well as offences under the Customs Act 1901 for other radioactive substances.
The Australian Border Force (ABF) investigation commenced after a package was stopped upon arrival into Australia in May 2023, to confirm whether radiological items were present within the consignment.
ABF Investigators from Counter Proliferation then launched an investigation in July 2023 with assistance from the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), and the Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office (ASNO), to examine several earlier suspected importations of prohibited goods, namely radioactive substances and nuclear material.
It was stated in court that a 24-year old man had imported several items, including a quantity of plutonium, depleted uranium, lutetium, thorium, and radium, without the appropriate permits and documentation between December 2022 and May 2023.
The man was sentenced through a non-conviction order for all charge sequences, with two conditional good behaviour bonds of 18 and 24-months imposed at Downing Centre District Court on 11 April.
Several state and federal government agencies, including the emergency services, the NSW Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Australia Federal Police (AFP) led Joint Counter Terrorism Taskforce (JCTT), were involved in the ABF-led warrant activity, with expert advice also reportedly sought from the Department of Defence, ANSTO and ASNO.
ABF superintendent James Ryan said the agency works hand-in-glove with a wide range of partner agencies to uphold border controls and stop the importation of dangerous substances that pose a risk to Australia’s national security.
“The importation of nuclear and radiological material must be closely scrutinised and requires authorisation. The ABF remains committed to protecting the Australian community from all threats which can cross the border,” Mr Ryan said.
“Whether it’s driven by intent to cause harm or simply a lack of understanding of the regulations, the ABF will ensure we protect Australia’s national security and the community.
“I hope this example can be used as an education tool for people to be aware of the regulatory frameworks around what can and cannot be imported into Australia – whether they are material goods, food or plant matter, medications, or seemingly innocuous goods. If in doubt, always ask the relevant agency.”
Director general of ASNO Geoffrey Shaw believes it’s important for everyone to know that importing nuclear materials can be granted, if you have the right permits.
“Australia has important treaty obligations, which means we need to track and report on nuclear materials and activities in Australia. Our nuclear permit system and verification activities help us do this,” Shaw said.
“Our goal is to protect the Australian public. This is a big job, and the proactive efforts of the Australian public help us to achieve it.”
ANSTO group executive for nuclear safety, security and stewardship Miles Apperley said ANSTO’s experience in the safe handling of radioactive materials and expertise in radiochemistry, nuclear physics, and nuclear forensic science was critical to the forensic analysis and verification of the seized materials.
“ANSTO’s capabilities and leadership in supporting Australia’s nuclear security and non-proliferation commitments is widely recognised internationally, and also demonstrated by our readiness and preparation to assist Australian response agencies in radiological incidents and emergencies,” he said.
