The Australian federal government yesterday announced that it would establish a Space Industry Innovation Council to give the Australian Government strategic advice as it develops a national space policy and boosts support for space science and technology.
“The creation of the Council is a key part of the Government’s response to the Senate inquiry report, Lost in Space?, tabled today in the Senate”, said Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research. “The council will evaluate Australia's current civil space activities, identify strengths and weaknesses, assess risks, and propose strategic priorities. The focus will be on earth observation, satellite communications and navigation.
The Council will also consider the implications for space science and industry of the Government’s Defence White Paper and National Security Science and Innovation Strategy. Its membership has yet to be announced.
A Space Policy Unit has already been established to run the $40 million Australian Space Research Program announced as part of the $160 million space and astronomy Super Science Initiative in the May Federal Budget.
The unit is expected to support the work of the Space Industry Innovation Council, coordinate Australia’s national and international civil space activities and foster closer collaboration between space researchers, businesses and government agencies, both within Australia and internationally
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More information on the Australian Space Science Program can be found here.
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