A review into Australia’s space industry capability announced today by Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science Senator Arthur Sinodinos will lead to a national strategy for the sector that reflects Australia’s national interests over the next decade, and aligns with Commonwealth priorities, including Defence.

The review will be led by an Expert Review Group, chaired by former CSIRO chief executive Dr Megan Clark. Senator Sinodinos said in the statement the Government wants to ensure the right framework and mix of incentives are in place to assist Australia’s growing space industry sector to participate successfully in the growing global market which has increased at a rate of 9.52 per cent per annum from 1998 to 2015.

There have been numerous calls for the establishment of a national space agency

The review will consult widely and examine Australia’s current capability and areas of comparative advantage, as well as its regional and international collaboration within the sector. Importantly, it will also consider how the space industry sector aligns with other sectors and Government priorities.

The review will commence with the first meeting of the Expert Reference Group on 20 July 2017 and will be completed by the end of March 2018.

According to the Minister, the membership of the Expert Reference Group brings together a wealth of experience from a range of backgrounds and the Terms of Reference of the group focus on understanding the opportunities and capabilities within the space industry, as well as how the Australian space industry sector aligns with other sectors and Government priorities.

 One of the matters to be specifically addressed under the Terms of Reference will be the alignment with other sectors and Government priorities, including Defence and cyber security.

The other group members are Prof Russell Boyce, Michael Davis, Dr David Williams, Dr Stuart Minchin, Prof Steven Freeland, Prof Anna Moore, Dr Jason Held and Flavia Tata Nardini.

A great focus point for the space industry this year is the International Astronautical Federation's annual congress to be held in Adelaide in September. There have been numerous calls leading up to the event for the establishment of a national space agency and a clear strategy for Australia's increased involvement in the sector.