Senator Stott Despoja to move on the next day of sitting:

That the following matters be referred to the Economics Committee for inquiry and report by 23 June 2008:

(a)

Australia’s capabilities in space science, industry and education;

(b)

arguments for and against expanded Australian activity in space science, industry and education; and

(c)

realistic policy options for any expansion of Australia’s space science, industry and education activity, particularly focused on areas of national need or existing world-class capability.

Senator Chapman to move on the next day of sitting:

That the following matter be referred to the Economics Committee for inquiry and report no later than October 2008:

The current state of Australia’s space science and industry sector, examining options to strengthen and expand Australia’s position in fields that strongly align with space science and industry, giving consideration to any national strategic coordination requirements and taking into account findings and policy options of the National Innovation System Review, with particular reference to:

(a)

Australia’s capabilities in space science, industry and education, including:

(i)

existing Australian activity of world-class standard, and

(ii)

areas in which there is currently little or no activity but that are within the technical and intellectual capacity of the country;