Defence Legislation Amendment (Naval Nuclear Propulsion) 2023

# Defence Legislation Amendment (Naval Nuclear Propulsion) 2023 ## What it does This bill creates exemptions for nuclear-powered submarines from Australia's nuclear safety and environmental laws. Specifically, it carves out nuclear propulsion plants in conventionally-armed submarines from rules that would normally require special approval or oversight under radiation protection and environmental protection legislation. ## Why it matters This enables Australia to operate nuclear submarines under the AUKUS agreement (with the UK and US) without triggering lengthy regulatory approval processes that would normally apply to nuclear technology. Without these changes, the government would face legal obstacles when deploying these vessels. ## Key details - **What's exempted:** Naval nuclear propulsion plants skip requirements under the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Act and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act—things like environmental impact assessments and ministerial approval that would normally be mandatory. - **Scope:** The exemption only applies to conventionally-armed submarines (i.e., weapons systems aren't nuclear), though the propulsion system is. - **Timing:** The law came into effect the day after receiving Royal Assent (the bill passed both chambers in 2023).

🔒 Voting closed — this bill has been decided by parliament