Both the current HIFAR reactor at Lucas Heights and its replacement are, and will be used as research facilities. They will not be used to generate nuclear power. Nuclear power reactors generate larger quantities of radioactive waste at higher levels of radioactivity than research reactors. Australia's reactor does not generate high level radioactive waste. The Government is not considering a nuclear power industry for Australia.
Successive Australian Governments have agreed that Australia should not accept the radioactive wastes of other countries. The Government's position is based on the clear principle that countries deriving benefits from radioactive materials and nuclear power should make their own arrangements to safely manage and dispose of their nuclear waste.
As Australia does not have a nuclear power industry and does not produce high level radioactive waste, no high level radioactive waste facility will be allowed in Australia.
The Government will not allow high level overseas waste to be stored in Australia. And the existing Customs legislation gives the Commonwealth Government power to make sure no such waste is imported.
from the Australian Department of Education Science and Training -- Radioactive Waste Managment in Australia.