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An investigation into the loss of a tiny but potentially deadly radioactive capsule in WA earlier this year has concluded without any charges being laid or fines issued.
Key points:
- The Radiological Council conducted the investigation
- The council reviewed potential breaches of the Radiation Safety Act
- It decided not to lay any charges or issue any penalties
The incident sparked a frantic search along a 1,400 kilometre stretch of road between a Pilbara mine site and Perth, before the capsule was found with the help of specialised equipment seven days later.
Measuring only 6 millimetres in diameter and 8mm in height, the result was described as finding a "needle in the haystack" by Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson.
It is believed the capsule fell from a truck transporting equipment from a Rio Tinto minesite, but the investigation cleared the company of any wrongdoing earlier this year.
In the wake of the incident, Rio Tinto provided a mobile worker camp to help rebuild flood-damaged Fitzroy Crossing to cover the cost of the search.
Rio Tinto chief executive Simon Trott said the accommodation cost about $4 million, exceeding the price tag of the search, which was never revealed.
No penalties following 'comprehensive investigation'
Now, WA's chief health officer and chair of the state's Radiological Council has confirmed a "comprehensive investigation" has been completed and a report handed to the health minister.
"The council has reviewed the matter of potential breaches of the Radiation Safety Act and regulations and no charges or fines have been raised in relation to the matter at this time," Dr Andrew Robertson said in a statement to the ABC.
"The investigation was conducted under the Radiation Safety Act, which has strict provisions related to information held by the council and does not allow for public release.
"In addition, operational details about the transport of radioactive materials are not typically released in order to maintain security and public safety."
Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said while "very expensive", it seemed the saga was "essentially a series of unfortunate events".
"I was surprised by the findings myself but this is a group of experts … and that is their findings and we have to accept those findings," she told ABC Radio Perth.
Fine for mishandling radioactive material under review
During the saga, which attracted worldwide attention, it emerged the maximum single penalty for failing to safely store, pack and transport radioactive materials was a $1,000 fine.
It was described as "ridiculously low" at the time by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, with Ms Sanderson committing to review the fine.
Dr Robertson said work to make that happen remained ongoing.
"The [health] department continues work to recommend updates to the Radiation Safety Act, including modernisation of penalties," he said.
"Any proposed changes to [the] act will be for the state government to consider."
Ms Sanderson said Cabinet had approved the drafting of those increased fines and work was underway.
She said those penalties would be "significantly increased" but would not specify by how much.
Lessons being learned
The gauge which the radioactive capsule fell out of was banned from use in WA shortly after it was lost.
Dr Robertson said a review into "specific, specialised technical aspects" of the equipment was still underway, and the findings would be considered when ready.
"Recommendations have been made about areas for improvement in gauge design and assessment and in the transport of radioactive sources in WA," Dr Robertson said.
"This includes modifications to the Radiological Council Fixed Gauge Compliance Testing Program, which are progressing.
Lessons learned from the incident were being shared with other radiation safety bodies, Dr Robertson said, in addition to a committee of the International Atomic Energy Agency, which sets international transport regulations.