There are "terrifying possibilities" that terrorists could get access to nuclear material to make dirty bombs, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop warns.
Speaking on the sidelines of a global nuclear summit in Washington on Saturday, Ms Bishop said Australia was committed to the global effort to secure nuclear material amid fears of the potential for a nuclear terrorist attack.
The summit is dealing with hypotheticals of what could occur and how to prevent it.
"There is a high level of concern that nuclear material could fall into the hands of terrorists or terrorist groups or that they would get sufficient material to make what is called a dirty bomb," Ms Bishop told reporters.
"It was so heartening to see so many countries represented here, exchanging ideas, exchanging experiences and working collaboratively to ensure that the nuclear material for civilian purposes is held as tightly and securely as possible with a commitment to reducing the risk that terrorists could gain control."
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Ms Bishop said Australia had a strong record in securing nuclear material as a uranium producer and exporter.
At one point Australia was holding about 300kg of highly enriched uranium.
It now holds less than 3kg.
"That is for research purpose but we are constantly reviewing our need for that."
Dozens of world leaders at the summit have re-affirmed their commitment to fight proliferation of nuclear weapons and materials, according to a communique.
It says more needs to be done to prevent non-state actors from obtaining nuclear and other radioactive materials.
"The threat of nuclear and radiological terrorism remains one of the greatest challenges to international security, and the threat is constantly evolving," the communique said.
