The Albanese Government has delivered a key milestone in Australia's conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarine program with the establishment of the Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Regulator.
The new statutory Agency is responsible for the effective regulatory oversight of Australia's naval nuclear propulsion capabilities, providing independent assurance that the highest standards of nuclear safety and radiological protection are upheld.
The Albanese Government is pleased to announce Mr Michael Drake as the inaugural Director-General of the new regulatory Agency.
Mr Drake brings to the role technical expertise and a decade of maritime regulation experience, including most recently as the Executive Director of Operations with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, and before that 15 years in the Royal Australian Navy where he served primarily in Australia's Collins class submarines.
Commencing with over 70 trained staff, the new Agency has been working closely with the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA), the Commonwealth authority on radiation protection and nuclear safety, to ensure a smooth transition of regulatory oversight.
The new Agency is headquartered in Canberra and has a presence across the country as well as overseas. With personnel embedded in the United States and United Kingdom, the Agency's workforce harnesses a broad range of skillsets to make independent and informed regulatory decisions.
Over the coming years, it will continue to expand its footprint in Western Australia and South Australia.
The Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Regulations 2025, relating to licensing facilities and materials for activities related to naval nuclear propulsion, have been made following extensive consultation, including formal public consultation in July 2025.
Subsequent regulations will focus on future phases of the optimal pathway including Australia's acquisition and operation of Virginia class submarines and the construction and operation of Australia's SSN-AUKUS submarines.
This new regulatory framework is underpinned by the highest international nuclear safety standards, drawing on more than 70 years of safe nuclear propulsion practices in the United States and United Kingdom, tailored to Australia's operating environment.
Relevant licences issued by ARPANSA, including in relation to the Controlled Industrial Facility at HMAS Stirling, will now transition to the new Regulator.
ARPANSA will continue to provide scientific and technical support to the new Regulator, and the two Regulators will work together to support consistent nuclear and radiological safety across Australia's military and civilian activities.
The Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Regulator is a non-corporate Commonwealth entity within the Defence portfolio, and is established under the Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Act 2024.
Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP:
"Today marks another important step in the delivery of Australia's conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines.
"This new Agency will play a key role in ensuring the highest standards of nuclear safety and stewardship.
"I congratulate Mr Drake on his appointment as Director-General, and commend everyone involved for the work they have done to deliver a fit-for-purpose legislative and regulatory framework."
Quotes attributable to Director-General, Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Regulator, Mr Michael Drake:
"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.
"The agency brings expertise from across Australia and internationally, with a clear mandate to deliver independent, evidence-based regulation.
"We are committed to working with all Australian stakeholders and our AUKUS partners to uphold the highest standards of nuclear safety and radiological protection."
