Non Proliferation, Arms Control and Disarmament
Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty - CTBT
Australia was active in negotiation of the CTBT in the Conference on Disarmament (CD) from 1994 to 1996. When adoption of the Treaty was blocked in the CD, it was taken to the United Nations in New York where it was adopted by an overwhelming majority. Australia signed the CTBT on 24 September 1996 and ratified the Treaty on 9 July 1998.
The CTBT makes a key contribution to both non-proliferation and disarmament. It serves as a practical step toward nuclear disarmament and as an effective non-proliferation measure by limiting the technological development of nuclear weapons. The Treaty contains a specific list of countries that must ratify in order for the CTBT to enter into force. Of these 44 countries listed in Annex II to the Treaty, nine have not yet signed.
The Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office (ASNO) is Australia's National Authority for implementation of the CTBT, and coordinates Australia's contribution to the development of its verification system. Australia will host the third largest number of monitoring facilities for the CTBT of any state being developed in cooperation with the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation.