Remuneration will be determined by the Remuneration Tribunal under the Remuneration Tribunal Act 1973 Canberra, ACT Introduction Australia's acquisition of conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines is historic and transformational.
The Optimal Pathway announced on 14 March 2023 will deliver Australia a world-class capability that will see our nation become one of only seven countries that operate nuclear-powered submarines.
This game changing capability will enhance Australia's capacity to deter conflict and support security, peace and economic prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.
As part of the announcement, the Australian Government determined that a Defence nuclear regulator, independent of the Australian Submarine Agency (ASA) and the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), would be established.
The Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Act 2024 (the Act) was granted Royal Assent on 24 October 2024.
The Act established the independent Regulator called the Australian Naval Nuclear-Power Safety Regulator (the Regulator).
In accordance with the Act, it is anticipated that the Regulator will begin operations no later than 1 November 2025.
The Act also includes the establishment of the position of Director-General Australian Naval Nuclear-Power Safety Regulator, hereafter referred to as the Director-General.
The Regulator will have responsibility and accountability for the regulation of nuclear-powered submarines and associated facilities from design to disposal.
The Director-General will report directly to the Minister for Defence while remaining in the Defence Portfolio to ensure accountability of the Defence undertaking to the Australian public.
This is an exciting, unique and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to participate in the regulation of a program of national and international significance.Your Role The Director-General is the accountable authority of the Regulator, and is ultimately responsible for establishing, implementing and maintaining a regulatory system that can assure that the highest standards of nuclear safety and radiological protection are met across the nuclear-powered submarine enterprise to protect people, the public and the environment.
The nuclear-powered submarine enterprise spans the RAN, the ASA and defence industry, and it is expected to grow rapidly over the next decade.
The Director-General will lead and be responsible for a multi-discipline, integrated workforce in excess of 120 APS and ADF personnel operating in three domestic locations.
To ensure best practice, the Regulator will have an international footprint in the US and UK, with the expectation that the Regulator will liaise, collaborate, and coordinate with both the US and the UK.
It is critical that the Director-General fosters the confidence of domestic and international partners and stakeholders, and also the Australian community, particularly our First Nation's people.
Acknowledging the high-level international engagement required with the UK and the US, and organisations such as the International Atomic Energy Agency, and the strategic importance of Australia's intended acquisition of this sovereign capability, the successful candidate should be able to demonstrate an understanding of, and ability to contribute to, international nuclear safety and security regulation policy and practice.
The Director-General will require exceptional judgement based on strong professional and technical knowledge.
A strong record of accomplishment in leading organisations, a commitment to building productive strategic relationships with Defence and core industry stakeholders, and experience working proactively with all levels of Government will be necessary to be competitive.
The Director-General, along with the Deputy Director-General, is required to have the competence, independence, technical expertise and relevant experience and qualifications to discharge the functions of the office.
The successful candidate requires extensive and demonstrated experience in nuclear engineering (and/or nuclear science) and regulatory service.
The technical expertise will also extend to experience and knowledge of the military within a strategic context, and specific experience in naval warship operations and maintenance would be highly beneficial.
The Regulator will operate within Australia's existing system of regulation.
The Director-General will be required to uphold the highest levels of personal integrity, transparency, and maintain deep-level regulatory knowledge.
The role requires the successful candidate to possess a unique blend of judgement, strategic leadership, stakeholder engagement, and a sound understanding of the machinery of the Australian Government.
The Director-General will engender a culture of innovation, collaboration and agility, and be able to effectively manage complex legislative and ethical frameworks to achieve capability outcomes for the Regulator and the Australian Government.
The Act requires the Director-General to hold office for the period specified in the instrument of appointment and that the period must not exceed 5 years.
Additionally, the Director-General and Deputy Director-General may be reappointed for a further period or periods, however, the Director-General must not hold office as Director-General for a total of more than 10 years.
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