The interview with Richard Butler, conducted by Michal Onderco, examines Australia’s proactive role in nuclear arms control and disarmament during the 1995 NPT Review and Extension Conference. Butler discusses Australia’s bipartisan commitment to non-proliferation and the influence of its uranium resources and regional concerns, including French nuclear testing in the Pacific, on its policies. He highlights Australia’s diplomatic efforts, particularly engaging Israel to support the NPT’s objectives and collaborating with South Africa to advance disarmament proposals at the conference. Butler criticizes the U.S.-led push for an early pledge of indefinite extension as counterproductive and recounts his role in fostering consensus through private diplomacy. He concludes with reflections on the systemic issues of nuclear non-proliferation, the challenges of implementing NPT principles, and his cautious optimism during that period for eventual nuclear disarmament.