The Australian Government has formed a high-level panel to evaluate health and safety practices at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation radiopharmaceuticals facility – ANSTO Health.

 

The panel will seek the advice of the independent nuclear regulator, the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency, to evaluate ANSTO’s compliance and current operations with respect to its facility licence.

 

The panel members are Dr Jim Peacock, Mr Grahame Cook and Mr Tim Ayres. 

 

Dr Peacock is a CSIRO Fellow and former Chief Scientist of Australia (2006‑2008).  He will provide the review panel with the necessary expertise in scientific standards and practices.

 

Mr Cook is a Director of Allen Consulting. In his capacity as Deputy Secretary of the former Department of Education, Science and Training he was an ex-officio member of the ANSTO Board.  Mr Cook will bring an understanding of ANSTO’s operations to the review.

 

Mr Ayres, the NSW Secretary of the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union, will provide an industrial perspective on current health and safety practices at ANSTO Health. 

 

The panel has been provided with terms of reference and will report to Senator Carr by 31 May 2011.