Bishop fires at North Korea

Ending nuclear testing is a role not just for North Korea but for other countries who have yet to ratify the global treaty, says Julie Bishop.

North Korea is defying the will of the international community with its nuclear activities, but countries such as China and the US need to show greater leadership, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop says.

Ms Bishop on Tuesday (Wednesday AEST) addressed a conference on the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.

She said North Korea's "provocative actions" showed the urgency of that nation, as well as China, Egypt, Iran, Israel, US, India, and Pakistan to finally ratify the treaty.

"Australia is deeply concerned by North Korea's latest statement (on September 15) that the uranium enrichment plant and a light water reactor at Yongbyon are fully operational," she said.

"A further North Korean nuclear test would be in clear breach of unanimously agreed United Nations Security Council resolutions."

Australia would seek the strongest possible response to North Korea's "continuing defiance" of the will of the international community, she said.

US President Barack Obama announced his intention to pursue ratification of the CTBT in 2009.

The conference heard work is under way to strengthen on-site inspections under the treaty.