David Bushby (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, Senator Sinodinos. Can the minister update the Senate on what the Turnbull government is doing to support a growing space industry in Australia?

Arthur Sinodinos (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you, Senator Bushby, for this timely question. There are a lot of exciting things happening in Australia's space sector. Just this week, we saw the launch of Cuberider-2, which I was delighted to authorise. A payload programmed by Australian students blasted off to the International Space Station to gather data from space. It is a great thing to be talking about in this National Science Week, when we are trying to get the young people of Australia to take an interest in science, technology, engineering and maths.

The Turnbull government recognises the incredible potential of our space industry to drive investment, create jobs and position us as a global industry leader. That is why we have commissioned a review of Australia's space industry capability. It will examine the role of government in supporting a strong, competitive space industry and the best way for us to harness our industry advantages. This is not about whether we should have a space industry. We have one. This is about the framework to take the space industry to the next stage. It will support leadership, innovation, opportunity and entrepreneurship across the sector along with our broader national interests. The result of this review will be a national strategy for the sector, a strategy that reflects both our developing strengths and national interests over the next decade. An important part of the review will be establishing the case for a national space agency to act as a coordinator of space policy across the government and to act as an interlocutor on the global stage when we interact with other players so we can look them in the eye and develop the networks and the contracts which are needed to take the space industry to the next level. This will be a very important development to be able to put together a space strategy for not only the next decade but the next two decades, recognising there are many great Australians who work in the sector, including people who are working overseas who we want to bring back to Australia. (Time expired)

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Bushby, a supplementary question.

David Bushby (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I am personally delighted to hear the steps that are being taken to help promote these developments in the space industry. As possibly the only member here who was part of the Senate Economics References Committee inquiry into the space industry—in fact, in about 2007—

Honourable Senator:

An honourable senator interjecting—

David Bushby (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I wish I could say that. We made a number of recommendations back then which have yet to be acted on, so it is great to see that they are finally being acted on.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Do you have a question?

David Bushby (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I do have a supplementary question.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Bushby, your time has expired.

David Bushby (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Would you like to comment on that?

Arthur Sinodinos (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I'm happy to respond. I get the drift of the question. I think I know where he's going.

Opposition Senators:

Opposition senators interjecting—

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order on my left! Minister, I will invite you to make any comments in response to the question you may have thought you were going it get.

Arthur Sinodinos (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the honourable member for his supplementary question. I get the gist. I understand! We are witnessing a period of rapid growth and change in the space industry. No longer is the industry open to a few countries and companies capable of launching large and very expensive satellites into space. It's a global industry worth over US$300 billion a year. More and more of our daily life is dependent on space technology. It is important that we have a clear vision and strategy for our industry. But we can't make policy on the run. That's why the review is being undertaken under the direction of an expert reference group chaired by Megan Clark AC, an eminent Australian innovator and the former head of CSIRO. The review is supported by a consultation process seeking views from across industry, government and the wider community. We will be holding roundtables asking our fellow Australians about the best way forward.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Bushby, a further supplementary question.

Honourable senators interjecting—

David Bushby (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I do have a further supplementary and I'm going to do my best to keep an eye on the clock to make sure that I get an opportunity to ask it!

How does this work, as outlined by the minister, and complement the government's other space industry initiatives which are currently underway?

Arthur Sinodinos (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the honourable senator for that very specific question. The current review will complement the activity already undertaken by this government to support growth in the space industry in Australia.

In October 2015, we announced a review of the Space Activities Act 1998, an act that regulates space activities undertaken by Australians here and overseas. Space technologies have advanced significantly since the act was legislated. Barriers to entry in the space industry are disappearing. This is creating new opportunities for Australian firms. So the act must provide an appropriate balance between supporting opportunities for participation and ensuring that Australia meets its international obligations.

The review of the act is now complete and the proposed amendments are being drafted. We are making sure the legislation supports innovation and the advancement of space technologies in Australia. Combined with the current review, it demonstrates our commitment, as a coalition, to the success and growth of Australian industries.

George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I ask that further questions be placed on the Notice Paper.