Tasmania should benefit from Turnbull’s belated appreciation for technology
Local researchers shouldn’t have to depend on international facilities
Tasmania should play a major role in the nation’s next scientific frontier after confirmation by the Turnbull Government that it would establish a domestic space agency.
Shadow Minister for Innovation, Communications, Science and the Digital Economy Madeleine Ogilvie said while Australia has been reluctant to develop its own space agency, the Commonwealth’s new but belated enthusiasm for the project showed the importance science and technology will play in the nation’s future economy.
“I will be advocating strongly for Tasmania to be central in any space agency developments,” Ms Ogilvie said.
“For too long Australian researchers have been dependent upon international space organisations, and while that type of collaboration is important, it is time we stopped playing catch up.
“Tasmania is well placed to contribute to an Australian space agency.
“We have an exceptional university producing expert engineers, scientists and information technology graduates, all of who would no doubt appreciate the opportunity to stay here in Tasmania and use their skills in a national program.
“We also have world class astronomy and astrophysics facilities and the work being done to progress the STEM centre of excellence – which has my support – also demonstrates Tasmania is ready to participate in this research opportunity.
“Tasmania’s position in the Southern Ocean is strategically useful – we are primed for a space agency, we have the capacity and it is time the Australian government recognised this.
“We are already the gateway to Antarctica, a role we do very well thanks in part to the work done by the CSIRO and IMAS, and there is no reason why my electorate of Denison cannot play a significant role in Australia’s growing role in space technology development and research.”
Madeleine Ogilvie MP Shadow Minister for Innovation
