As tensions in the Pacific and war in Europe continue to escalate, Australia could play an important global role in reducing the spread and threat of nuclear weapons at an important upcoming conference in New York, according to a new research report.

The Australian Government has been urged to adopt 4 key policy goals to reduce the risk of nuclear war in the lead up to the much-anticipated 10th Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference (NNTRC) commencing in New York on August 1. The research finds the Albanese Government has an opportunity to reinvigorate efforts to reduce the spread of weapons after stalled progress in recent years.

Key Points:

• The 10th Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference (NNTRC) will commence in New York on August 1 after several years of delay due to the pandemic
• The Conference will consider how to strengthen the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty
• The NPT is described as “the cornerstone of the global non-proliferation regime” and aims to rid the world of nuclear weapons
• The NPT has become increasingly contested and stalled. In the early years of the NPT, Australia was an enthusiastic advocate and this should be reinvigorated

Key Report Recommendations for Australia :

• Press for the ratification of the Comprehensive Test Ban treaty
• Start international negotiations on a Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty to prohibit the production of highly-enriched uranium and plutonium
• Support a “No first Use” Declaration by all states possessing nuclear weapons
  Encourage the five nuclear weapons states party to the treaty to pursue bilateral and multilateral negotiations to reduce arsenals and delivery systems.