Securing Social Licence in Nuclear Programs

Alex Walsh

Chief Nuclear & Capability Officer, ASC

presents

Securing Social Licence in Nuclear Programs

ASC (formerly the Australian Submarine Corporation) has been selected to sustain and jointly build conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines in Australia as part of the AUKUS trilateral security partnership.

As with any large program in a democracy, securing social licence – communities’ and stakeholders’ informal approval – will be critical.

History has shown that, when public trust and confidence falters, so can projects, as has happened at times in the US and UK. The risks include delays, opposition or even cancellation.

In Australia, AUKUS faces unique challenges. ANSTO aside, there’s no significant nuclear footprint. Nuclear energy is relatively unknown and what awareness there is has been shaped by high-profile international accidents and British nuclear weapons testing on Australian soil. Community acceptance is low.

Alex Walsh is ASC’s Chief Nuclear & Capability Officer. In this seminar, Alex will explain how ASC’s program delivery strategy aims to shift perceptions by emphasising nuclear stewardship and safety, transparency, job creation, education pathways, supply chain capability uplift and high Australian content.

Delivery of real benefits in these areas – communicated through strong, consistent public messaging and meaningful community engagement – will help secure and maintain AUKUS social licence.

Top image credit: Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (US)

About the Speaker

Alex Walsh, Chief Nuclear & Capability Officer, ASC

Alex Walsh is a degree-qualified nuclear engineer who brings close to 40 years’ experience in the nuclear submarine and power sectors to his role: building ASC's nuclear-readiness and ensuring all ASC program teams possess the necessary capabilities.

Alex joined ASC in January 2022 as Executive Manager Engineering from Sellafield Limited, the UK government entity that manages its Sellafield nuclear site. He commenced with Sellafield as Executive Project Manager leading a complex nuclear project, before moving on to other leadership roles ahead of his most recent role, as Head of Planning Implementation.

With senior expertise in engineering, project management and managing nuclear commissioning, safety and licencing, Alex has worked in the UK, France and Australia. At BAE Systems his roles included Head of Nuclear Construction (leading the team constructing the Astute reactors) and Head of Nuclear Safety Engineering (leading nuclear authorisation and the safety case for Astute fuelling, commissioning and power range testing).

Alex previously worked at ASC in 2013 and 2014, as General Manager Engineering.

Breakfast Seminars

The Science & Research Breakfast Seminar Series is held at the Strangers’ Function Room at Parliament of NSW, Sydney.

Where: Parliament of NSW. Entry is via Macquarie Street, Sydney. Guests are required to undergo routine security screening.

Time: Breakfast, tea and coffee are served from 7.30am.

The seminar starts at 8am sharp and concludes by 9am. Tea and coffee is also available afterwards.

RSVP: Monday 10 November 2025

IMPORTANT BOOKING INFORMATION
When making multiple bookings, please include the names of all who are attending, to ensure they have a nametag on the day.

For further information or for any accessibility requests email events.rsvp@chiefscientist.nsw.gov.au  or call (02) 9228 5762