Australia Fast Tracking Tender

The Morrison Government is injecting more than 65 million to get Australian technologies into space sooner and to make our nation a leading destination for launch.And in another major boost for the Australian space sector that will drive jobs and technology investment the Government has also instructed the Australian Space Agency to embark on a mission to put an Australian astronaut back into space.Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the new 65 million funding was part of the Governments ongoing mission to expand the sector invest in cutting edge technologies and create new jobs.Australia is ready to launch and we are backing Australian companies and workers to look up and aim high the Prime Minister said.The journey to sending an Australian into space means serious investment in local jobs local technologies and local businesses.Any astronaut and any spacecraft has a team of thousands behind them not to mention invaluable technology and research and carefully manufactured parts.All of that means new technologies that make things simpler and safer the job opportunities that come from a booming industry or the technology advancements that can be applied in our everyday lives.Thats why since 2018 we have invested more than 800 million as part of our mission to triple the size of the sector to 12 billion and create up to 20000 new jobs by 2030.The Government will co-invest more than 32 million into the development of up to three new or existing spaceports or launch sites across Australia.The Australian Space Agency will also receive more than 32 million to procure and provide spaceflights and services for the Australian space sector.This will help the sector gain an important flight qualification a common barrier to transitioning space technology from the laboratory to space.The more than 32 million includes a 3.5 million national student space challenge that would see student payloads sent into orbit.The Agency has also been tasked with international partners to put an Australian astronaut back into space.South Australia Premier Steven Marshall said the investment was a major boost for South Australias space sector.This election is all about building a stronger future and opening new opportunities for South Australians the space sector does both Premier Marshall said.South Australia is unequivocally the Space State we have already created nearly 1600 space jobs in the State and todays announcement is going to see that number take off.We are the home of the Space Discovery Centre Mission Control the Australian Space Agency the Australian Space Park and more than 90 space-related companies are already based right here in SA.This sector is going gangbusters and its going to mean our young South Australians can have a rewarding career in the space sector right here without having to move interstate or overseas.Minister for Science and Technology Melissa Price said this latest investment would provide Australian industry with further opportunities to grow their capability and access global supply chains and support more launches taking off on home soil.This is about so much more than just the excitement or inspiration of launch Minister Price said.By investing in the growth of the Australian space sector were investing in the future of all Australians.Were doing that through investments via the Australian Space Agency and prioritising the space sector through our Modern Manufacturing Strategy and Australias Economic Accelerator.Head of the Australian Space Agency Enrico Palermo said the Fast-Tracking Access to Space package would help address gaps in the local sector.By supporting Australian businesses and researchers to get their products into space more quickly we are helping them to demonstrate their capabilities to the world which in turn will create new opportunities that see them grow Mr Palermo said.This co-investment in the development of spaceports makes Australias intentions clear we want to become a launch nation of choice to attract further private sector investment.We are already a desirable launch location thanks to a range of factors including our unique geographic perspective and political stability this investment will cement that reputation.