Key Points
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Issues paper released on 3 August 2017 by the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science regarding Australia’s space industry capability.
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Written submissions close on 22 August 2017.
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Part of the ongoing review of the Space Activities Act 1998 (Cth), the outcome of which is scheduled to be released later this year.
On 13 July 2017, the Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science announced a review of Australia’s space industry capability, with an aim to understand how Australia may capitalise on the increasing opportunities in the global space industry sector.
On 3 August 2017, with the assistance of an expert reference group, the Minister released an issues paper and called for written submissions and comments.
Key upstream (provision of technology) and downstream (exploitation of technology) industries that make up the space sector were identified:
- space systems launch activities and support services
- ground systems
- space enabled services and applications including providing data from space
- space activity support services
- space-related research and development
- space education and training
- space-related associations, media and public information activities .
The issues paper was framed around the following 3 key principles:
- Capability – Australia’s current capability, areas of Australian advantage in the sector and strategies to support the industry
- Development – how to promote innovation and grow Australia’s space sector
- Governance – current government-industry engagement, and potential future arrangements that comply with Australia’s international obligations.
The issues paper asks for consideration of opportunities for Australia’s space industry and how its position can develop in the global space sector.
This represents another step forward in the ongoing review of Australia’s governing space frameworks. It is exciting times for space entrepreneurs and commercial interests looking to Australia as a possible home for their operations.
Opportunities to make written submissions close on 22 August 2017.
Written submissions can be uploaded via the Consultation hub on the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science website:
https://consult.industry.gov.au/space-activities/review-of-australian-space-industry-capability
Post by Jack Guthrie and David Fischl