A nuclear future for Australia?: The South Australian Nuclear Fuel Cycle Royal Commission releases final report

The final report of South Australia's Nuclear Fuel Cycle Royal Commission (Royal Commission) was publicly released on 9 May 20161, outlining the potential for South Australia to increase its participation in the nuclear fuel cycle. The report has wide-reaching implications for a future nuclear industry in Australia. This paper outlines the Royal Commission's activities and recommendations, and reviews the current and future legal frameworks that would support a nuclear fuel cycle industry in South Australia. It goes on to consider issues around the social licence to operate such an industry, and the community consultation steps the South Australian government has introduced to assist in the development of its response to the recommendations.