iTnews

Australia's first space agency takes shape

By Matt Johnston on May 15, 2018 6:57AM
Australia's first space agency takes shape

Given start date, portfolio home.

Australia's first space agency is set to begin operations in July after securing $26 million in budget funding.

Dr Megan Clark, a former head of CSIRO, will lead the agency "for its establishment and first year of operation", the government confirmed in a statement.

The government agreed back in September last year to set up the agency but had been waiting for a space industry capability review in order to formulate the new agency's charter.

With that review completed, and the reports now in the public domain, the government yesterday laid out the first details of how the space agency would operate.

"The agency will support the long-term development and application of space technologies, growing our domestic space industry and securing our place in the global space economy," Minister for Jobs and Innovation Michaelia Cash said.

The agency is expected to take the lead on civil space policy, including finding ways to use Australia's technology and advanced manufacturing skills to become “a world-leading developer of space-based technologies”.

It will also "facilitate international space engagement, both in policy and industry forums, to build the networks needed to develop Australia’s space capability and ensure industry partners can access global supply chains."

The agency will be located within the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science.

The government said the space program has the potential to create a $12 billion space industry in Australia by 2030 and up to 20,000 jobs.

“Space technologies are not just about taking people to the moon - they open up opportunities for many industries, including communications, agriculture, mining, oil and gas,” Cash said.

Got a news tip for our journalists? Share it with us anonymously here.
Copyright © iTnews.com.au . All rights reserved.
Tags:
australian space agency space space agency strategy

Partner Content

Improving returns from SD-WAN spending
Partner Content Improving returns from SD-WAN spending
Resetting cyber security for the new threat landscape
Partner Content Resetting cyber security for the new threat landscape
Why companies fail at picking cloud modernisation partners
Promoted Content Why companies fail at picking cloud modernisation partners
As Australian companies lean more heavily on the cloud, edge security is finding its stride
Partner Content As Australian companies lean more heavily on the cloud, edge security is finding its stride

Sponsored Whitepapers

Move beyond passwords
Move beyond passwords
The top 5 tech trends to deliver business outcomes
The top 5 tech trends to deliver business outcomes
10 reasons why businesses need to invest in cloud security training
10 reasons why businesses need to invest in cloud security training
Your guide to application security solutions
Your guide to application security solutions
State of Software Security: Open Source Edition
State of Software Security: Open Source Edition

Events

  • On-Demand Webinar: How Poly and Microsoft are Embracing Future Work Environments
  • [iTnews and Micro Focus] Navigating the cloud modernisation minefield
By Matt Johnston
May 15 2018
6:57AM
0 Comments

Related Articles

  • Virgin Galactic COO to head Australian Space Agency
  • WA puts $10m into space control and data facilities
  • Defence partners with Gold Coast rocket lab to develop space tech
  • China to launch experimental spacecraft next month
Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share on LinkedIn Share on Whatsapp Email A Friend

Most Read Articles

TPG Telecom to start enticing NBN customers to move

TPG Telecom to start enticing NBN customers to move

Infosys scores another $40m for Centrelink payments engine build

Infosys scores another $40m for Centrelink payments engine build

Telstra InfraCo opens up telco's own fibre network

Telstra InfraCo opens up telco's own fibre network

Transport for NSW data stolen in Accellion breach

Transport for NSW data stolen in Accellion breach

You must be a registered member of iTnews to post a comment.
Log In | Register
All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in any form without prior authorisation.
Your use of this website constitutes acceptance of nextmedia's Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.