Ben Morton (Tangney, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

On behalf of the Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories, I present the committee's report entitled Maintaining Australia's national interests in Antarctica: inquiry into Australia's Antarctic Territory together with the minutes of proceedings.

It is with great pleasure that I rise today to speak about the Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories inquiry report into Australia's Antarctic territory. Australians were some of the earliest explorers on the Antarctic continent, with our nation's involvement beginning in the late 1800s and continuing to the present day. Some of Australia's earliest Antarctic scientists, including Douglas Mawson, are synonymous with Australia exploration of the continent.

Mawson's station was opened in 1954 and became Australia's first permanent scientific research presence in Antarctica. The Australian Antarctic Program positions our nation amongst the world's most significant contributors on this continent. Australia's Antarctic territory covers 42 per cent of the entire Antarctic continent, with Australia maintaining three permanent research stations as well as a seasonal aerodrome to support our extensive research and national interests. Australia is an original signatory to the Antarctic treaty and is recognised as Antarctic leader. However, Australia's claim is only officially recognised by four nations—the United Kingdom, New Zealand, France and Norway.

In recent years, Australia's Antarctic territory has seen growing activity from other nations, including the establishment of Russian, Chinese, French and Italian facilities. These nations continue to invest strongly in their Antarctic infrastructure. Australia is also investing in its Antarctic infrastructure, securing our future contributions to Antarctic research and maintaining our role as a leader in Antarctic affairs. The committee recognises that continued involvement and investment in Antarctica is necessary for supporting Australia's national interests and continued leadership in Antarctica. Failure to invest will have significant negative effects on Australia's standing in Antarctica and our leadership role that we play.

Recently, the government has announced important investments in infrastructure that will significantly enhance Australia's scientific capabilities and capacity. In May, the government announced it would proceed with a paved runway to provide year-round access to the Davis research station. This is consistent with the committee's recommendation and demonstrates Australia's commitment to protect its long-term interests in Antarctica.

Australia is also investing in a new Antarctic ice breaker, which is due to arrive in Hobart in 2020. These investments will provide a more modern and efficient basis upon which Australia's international reputation in Antarctic science can continue to grow. In particular, these investments will provide improved capacity for international engagement and opportunities for Australia's Antarctic scientists to collaborate with their colleagues from other nations.

Another key opportunity identified in this report is the continued development of Hobart as an Antarctic hub, as a well-situated capital to capitalise on Australia's renewed Antarctic focus. A number of initiatives, including enhancements to aviation capability at Hobart Airport, a proposed Antarctic science hub and a potential development of Antarctic tourism, are valuable opportunities for Hobart and for Tasmania. The city's expanding Antarctic potential may also see increased engagement with other international Antarctic programs.

The committee's inquiry launched in June 2017 and received well-informed contributions from key stakeholders in Australia's Antarctic sector, including a number of Commonwealth and Tasmanian government agencies, the Antarctic Science community, academics and those developing infrastructure and other support services in Tasmania to meet the needs of the growing Antarctic sector. Members of the committee spent time in both Hobart and in Antarctica inspecting some of the key facilities of Australia's Antarctic operations. These visits provided the opportunity for the committee to better understand future investment and science investment needs.

The committee's report considers four key themes—Australia's leadership in governance with respect to Antarctic, the infrastructure and logistical support required to support the success of the Australian Antarctic Program, and Australia's world-class research in Antarctic science and the economic benefits—particularly for Tasmania—that can result from Australia's engagement in the continent. The report's 22 recommendations provide the government with an opportunity to strengthen its work with respect to Antarctica and build on already impressive foundations. In particular, the committee has recommended that the government consider the appointment of an Antarctic ambassador, that Australia's formal inspections under the treaty be increased and that the government capitalise on developments in the city of Hobart for the colocation of relevant Antarctic institutions.

I would like to thank the many contributors to the committee's inquiry, including those who made submissions and gave evidence at public hearings. I would like in particular to thank the staff of the Australian Antarctic Division in Hobart for their commitment to the Australian Antarctic Program and express the committee's appreciation for the open and professional manner in which they engaged in this inquiry. Thank you, finally, to my committee colleagues for their engagement with this inquiry: the secretariat, led by Peggy, Muz and Stephanie. I look forward to Australia's growing contributions to Antarctica over the coming years.

Report made a parliamentary paper in accordance with standing order 39(e).

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