Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Act 1998

The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Act 1998 is an act that regulates activities involving radiation and nuclear safety. The object of the act is to protect the health and safety of people, and to protect the environment, from the harmful effects of radiation.

The act applies within Australia and outside its borders. It does not apply if taking action would be prejudicial to Australia's defence or national security. The act also does not apply to certain nuclear installations, such as nuclear fuel fabrication plants, nuclear power plants, enrichment plants, and reprocessing facilities.

The act binds the Crown in each of its capacities and applies to Commonwealth contractors who engage in activities that are engaged in for or on behalf of a Commonwealth entity. The act also applies to permitted persons who are authorized to deal with controlled apparatus or materials under an arrangement with the license holder.

The definitions section outlines various terms used in the act, including "controlled apparatus," "controlled facility," and "controlled material." These terms refer to nuclear installations, radiation facilities, and radioactive waste storage or disposal facilities, among others. The act also defines other terms such as "ionizing radiation" and "non-ionizing radiation."

The act includes provisions for licensing, regulation, and enforcement. Licenses are issued under the act for certain activities, and the act provides for the operation of nuclear non-proliferation (safeguards) acts. The act also includes provisions for improvement notices, which are issued to individuals or organizations that are required to take specific actions to comply with the regulations.

Overall, the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Act 1998 is a comprehensive law that aims to regulate activities involving radiation and nuclear safety, while protecting the health and safety of people and the environment.