Australia has reached a key milestone in its ambitious plan to develop conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS partnership, with the official establishment of the Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Regulator (ANNPSR) — a new statutory agency tasked with ensuring the highest standards of nuclear safety and radiological protection.
The new body marks a crucial step in the Albanese Government’s implementation of Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine pathway, announced under the AUKUS pact between Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The establishment of the regulator fulfills a core requirement of Australia’s commitment to upholding strict safety, security, and non-proliferation obligations as it develops nuclear propulsion capabilities for the first time in its history.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, described the formation of the regulator as “another important step in the delivery of Australia’s conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines,” emphasizing that it will play “a key role in ensuring the highest standards of nuclear safety and stewardship.”
“This new Agency will provide independent oversight and assurance that Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine enterprise meets the world’s most rigorous safety standards,” Mr Marles said. “I congratulate Mr Michael Drake on his appointment as Director-General, and commend everyone involved for their work in delivering a fit-for-purpose legislative and regulatory framework.”
The Government also announced Mr Michael Drake as the inaugural Director-General of the ANNPSR. Mr Drake brings extensive maritime and nuclear safety expertise to the role, having served as the Executive Director of Operations at the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and earlier as a Royal Australian Navy submariner, primarily aboard the Collins-class fleet.
“I am proud to be leading the Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Regulator and recognise its important role in delivering Australia’s conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines,” Mr Drake said. “Our agency brings expertise from across Australia and internationally, with a clear mandate to deliver independent, evidence-based regulation.”
The ANNPSR, headquartered in Canberra, will initially operate with a team of over 70 trained staff, including personnel embedded in the United States and the United Kingdom. This international engagement will allow Australia to draw on more than seven decades of proven nuclear propulsion safety experience from its AUKUS partners.
The agency will continue to expand its operations, particularly in Western Australia and South Australia, where major submarine infrastructure and operational facilities are being developed.
The regulator’s establishment follows the passage of the Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Act 2024, which laid the legislative foundation for independent oversight of all nuclear propulsion activities under the Defence portfolio.
Its regulatory framework is supported by the Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Regulations 2025, finalized after extensive consultation, including public engagement in July 2025. These regulations cover licensing, facility management, and materials associated with naval nuclear propulsion, while future regulations will address subsequent stages of Australia’s submarine program — including the acquisition and operation of Virginia-class submarines from the United States and the construction of SSN-AUKUS submarines in Australia.
The ANNPSR has been closely collaborating with the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) to ensure a smooth transition of regulatory oversight. Existing ARPANSA-issued licences — including those concerning the Controlled Industrial Facility at HMAS Stirling — will now be transferred to the new regulator.
While the ANNPSR will serve as the independent authority for naval nuclear safety, ARPANSA will continue to provide scientific and technical expertise, ensuring consistency in nuclear and radiological safety across both civilian and military domains.
“We are committed to working with all Australian stakeholders and our AUKUS partners to uphold the highest standards of nuclear safety and radiological protection,” Mr Drake affirmed.
The creation of the ANNPSR is seen as essential to demonstrating Australia’s commitment to the “gold standard” of nuclear safety as it enters an unprecedented phase of defence modernization. It will help reassure both domestic and international audiences — including regional partners and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) — that Australia’s nuclear propulsion enterprise will operate with complete transparency and responsibility.
The AUKUS partnership, announced in 2021, envisions Australia acquiring a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines capable of long-range operations, beginning with the U.S.-built Virginia-class in the early 2030s, followed by SSN-AUKUS submarines jointly developed with the UK.
The establishment of the ANNPSR underscores that Australia’s entry into the nuclear propulsion domain will proceed under stringent regulatory and safety frameworks, drawing from allied experience while adapting to Australia’s specific operational environment.
As the Defence portfolio advances one of the most complex technological and strategic undertakings in national history, the regulator’s role will be pivotal in ensuring that every aspect of Australia’s nuclear submarine capability — from design to operation — meets international safety expectations.
“Today’s announcement,” said Mr Marles, “demonstrates Australia’s determination to deliver its nuclear-powered submarines safely, securely, and transparently — in full accordance with our non-proliferation obligations and our commitment to protect Australians and our environment.”
