Acquiring nuclear-powered submarines will bring a responsibility to strengthen non-proliferation in our region
UK nuclear-powered attack submarine in Perth in October 2021. ‘Other countries in the Indo-Pacific have been operating nuclear-powered submarines for decades – this is not a new capability in the region.’UK nuclear-powered attack submarine in Perth in October 2021. ‘Other countries in the Indo-Pacific have been operating nuclear-powered submarines for decades – this is not a new capability in the region.’Last modified on Mon 23 Jan 2023 01.
Over 180 countries, including Australia, have committed not to seek, and to prevent the spread of, nuclear weapons. And as we face the most challenging strategic circumstances in the postwar period, the NPT remains critical to ensuring this security endures. At the time the Whitlam government ratified the treaty, unrestrained great power competition between the United States and the Soviet Union threatened the future of humanity. It is why Gough was such a powerful advocate for the NPT.
As foreign minister, part of my job is to protect and continue the legacy of my predecessor Gareth Evans, who drove Australia’s action and advocacy on non-proliferation and disarmament. Gareth understood that assuring Australia’s security required us to look beyond our borders and help others to meet the same high standards to which we hold ourselves.
We keep advancing the objectives of the NPT through the 12 nation Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Initiative, established by Australia and Japan.