- Science, Innovation and ICT Minister Dave Kelly to meet with Australian Space Agency head Dr Megan Clark AC in Perth today
- Minister and Chief Scientist to pitch WA as the base of the Australian Space Agency
- WA has the geography, capability and local expertise to have a thriving space industry
- The McGowan Government is today ramping up its calls for Australia's new Australian Space Agency to be based in Perth.
Science, Innovation and ICT Minister Dave Kelly will today meet with Dr Megan Clark AC, the head of the Australian Space Agency, to bolster WA's pitch as the perfect base for the agency.
In June, a report by ACIL Allen was released which showed Western Australia would be an ideal home for the Australian Space Agency.
The report found WA has geographic advantages and expertise required to have a thriving space industry, which aligns with the objectives of the Australian Space Agency.
There are already 74 international and Australian companies with a presence in WA operating in space and space-related services.
Western Australia has already been involved in the space industry for nearly 60 years and has been involved in major projects such as the European Space Agency's ground station at New Norcia, a range of commercial space communications stations, the Pawsey Supercomputing Centre, and the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research.
Comments attributed to Science Minister Dave Kelly:
"Growing the space industry in WA will create local jobs, provide more opportunities for our local businesses and help diversify the WA economy.
"Earlier this month, the State Government held an Industry Roundtable to further solidify WA's position as the perfect home for the Australian Space Agency.
"From this roundtable we have identified new opportunities for WA in the Australian Space Agency.
"Along with a WA-headquartered national space agency, there is an opportunity for a locally-based mission control centre and the McGowan Government is prepared to co-fund a new robotics and artificial intelligence innovation hub.
"Everyone knows WA has the geography, capability and local expertise to have a thriving space industry, we just need the Federal Liberal Government to commit to basing the agency here."
Comments attributed to WA Chief Scientist Professor Peter Klinken:
"Following up on the ACIL Allen report and the recent industry meetings, WA is incredibly well positioned to be the headquarters of the Australian Space Agency.
"It has been a pleasure working closely with Dr Megan Clark and I look forward to continuing to work closely with her to see how Western Australia can contribute to the development of the Australian Space Agency."
Minister's office - 6552 6100
