The extremely heartening recommendations of the committee are below – the overarching recommendation is for the establishment of an Australian space agency.
Bear in mind this is not yet policy, just a recommendation from the committee, it is up to the government now to decide how to act.
The fact these recommendations came from an economics committee, as opposed to science or industry, is particularly good news. It provides a strong case for a measured, pragmatic (re) introduction for Australia to international space activities. You’ll note that involvement in manned space flight is conspicuous in its absence.
Recommendation 1
The committee recommends as a first step that the Government give the existing unit within the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research more resources to enable the establishment of an Australian government Space Information Website. This would provide information on government programmes and contacts, and links to Australian companies working in the space industry as well as Australian universities offering courses in space science and space engineering.
Recommendation 2
The committee notes that Australia is the only OECD country without a national space agency and, as a consequence is missing out on opportunities to engage in this important area of innovation and technology. The committee also notes the comments by the Chief Scientist and the conclusion of the Cutler Report in relation to the importance of the space industry for innovation within Australia. The committee recommends that immediate steps are taken to coordinate our space activities and reduce our over reliance on other countries in the area of space technology.
Recommendation 3
The committee notes the wealth of expert, well informed evidence received by the committee. Despite some deviations, the overwhelming majority of witnesses strongly supported the formation of a government unit to coordinate Australian space activities, including those in the private sector. The committee supports this conclusion and notes that there must be a proper balance between industry and government involvement.
Recommendation 4
The committee notes the various models of space agency within the OECD and emerging economies and supports Australia having a space agency. The committee recommends initially establishing a Space Industry Advisory Council comprising industry representatives, government agencies, defence, and academics. The committee recommends that the advisory Council be chaired by the Minister for Innovation Industry Science and Research or his representative.
Recommendation 5
As a precursor to the establishment of the space agency the Advisory Council would:
- Conduct an audit of Australia's current space activities within six months of the establishment of the Council;
- Analyse the strengths, weaknesses opportunities and threats to Australia's emerging space industry;
- Focus on the key "workhorse" space applications of Earth observation, satellite communications and navigation as the most practical and beneficial initial priorities;
- Systematically evaluate the medium/long-term priorities for a space agency including the national benefit of defence related activities, Earth observation, environmental, land management, exploration, national disaster prevention and management, treaty monitoring, e-commerce and telemedicine;
- Examine the benefits to Australia of improved international collaboration including membership of the international space groups;
- Develop a draft strategic plan for the establishment of a space agency and the most appropriate form of that agency, including public/private funding, budget and staffing priorities; and
- Identify critical performance areas such as research, technological development, development of the skill base, effective partnerships, delivery of new services, and financial management.
Recommendation 6
The committee recommends that any Australian Space Agency reassess the case for Australia becoming more closely linked to an international space agency.