Commonwealth Numbered Acts

AUSTRALIAN NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ORGANISATION ACT 1987 No. 3 of 1987 - SECT 5

5. (1) The functions of the Organisation are-

   (a)  to undertake research and development in relation to-

        (i)    nuclear science and nuclear technology;

        (ii)   the production and use of radioisotopes, and the use of
               isotopic techniques and nuclear radiation, for medicine,
               science, industry, commerce and agriculture; and

        (iii)  such other matters as the Minister directs;

   (b)  to encourage and facilitate the application and utilisation of the
        results of such research and development;

   (c)  to provide and sell goods (whether produced by the Organisation or
        purchased or otherwise acquired by the Organisation) and services-

        (i)    in connection with the production and use of radioisotopes, and
               the use of isotopic techniques and nuclear radiation, for
               medicine, science, industry, commerce and agriculture; or

        (ii)   otherwise in connection with matters related to its activities;

   (d)  to act as a means of liaison between Australia and other countries in
        matters related to its activities;

   (e)  to provide advice on aspects of nuclear science and nuclear technology
        and other matters related to its activities;

   (f)  to co-operate with appropriate authorities of the Commonwealth, the
        States and the Territories, and with other organisations and
        institutions in Australia or elsewhere, in matters related to its
        activities;

   (g)  to publish scientific and technical reports, periodicals and papers on
        matters related to its activities;

   (h)  to collect and sell or distribute, as appropriate, information and
        advice on matters related to its activities;

   (j)  to arrange for the training of scientific and research workers, and
        the establishment and award of scientific research studentships and
        fellowships, in matters related to its activities;

   (k)  to make grants in aid of research into matters related to its
        activities; and

   (m)  to make arrangements with universities and other educational research
        institutions, professional bodies and other persons for the conduct of
        research or of other activities in matters related to its activities.

(2) The Organisation shall not undertake research or development into the
design or production of nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices.

(3) In undertaking its functions the Organisation shall have regard to the
national science and energy policy objectives of the Commonwealth Government.

(4) The Minister shall not give a direction under sub-paragraph (1) (a) (iii)
to the Organisation to undertake research or development in relation to a
matter unless the Minister is satisfied that research or development by the
Organisation in relation to that matter would be an effective use of the staff
of the Organisation, and would not duplicate unnecessarily any activity being
carried on, or proposed to be carried on, by any other agency or authority of
the Commonwealth.

(5) The Organisation may perform its functions to the extent only that they
are not in excess of the functions that may be conferred on it by virtue of
any of the legislative powers of the Parliament, and, in particular, may
perform its functions-

   (a)  in so far as it is appropriate for those functions to be performed by
        the Organisation on behalf of the Government of the Commonwealth as
        the national Government of Australia;

   (b)  for purposes for which it is appropriate for the Parliament as the
        national Parliament of Australia to authorise the Organisation to
        perform functions;

   (c)  by way of expenditure of money that is available for the purposes of
        the Organisation in accordance with an appropriation made by the
        Parliament;

   (d)  in the course of, or in relation to, trade and commerce with other
        countries, among the States, between Territories or between a
        Territory and a State;

   (e)  for purposes related to external affairs; and

   (f)  for purposes in or in relation to a Territory.