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Why can't we import our radioisotope needs from overseas? 

Reliability of supply is the greatest concern in importing radioisotopes rather than producing them in Australia.  There are a number of problems for airlines transporting isotopes, and delays in transportation can mean much or all of the product has decayed by the time it arrives in Australia.  Radiopharmaceutical products can "miss" flights or not be transported because international air transport regulations prohibit radioactive materials of any type being carried in the same hold as live animals or food, and also because of weather conditions.  Back-up supplies have not been delivered on time to ANSTO because strong head winds prevented a full load of freight being carried on some flights.  Pilots can also refuse to carry radioactive materials on their flights, and some airlines no longer carry radioactive materials at all.  These types of delay occur randomly, and radioactive decay reduces the amount of usable radioisotope that arrives in Australia. Invariably, such delays are for at least one day. 

The air transport regulations also place safety limits on how much radioactive material can actually be carried on flights.  The transport index is a measure of radiation emission from a package, and determines how much material can be carried on a plane.  There are also strict guidelines on the separation distance of passengers from radioactive materials, including nuclear medicines, and this can limit the amount of radioactive material that is carried.  In addition, the pilot has the final say on what is carried, which can cause problems at times. In fact, the IAEA has recently expressed concerns regarding the increasing frequency of denial of shipment of radiopharmaceuticals.