Image courtesy NASA Visible Earth
The federal government has announced an additional $13.3 million for the Australian Space Agency to boost its capacity to deliver regulatory services and support the growth of the industry.
“Space is the new frontier for modern manufacturing and is one of the Government’s six National Manufacturing Priorities,” said the Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, Christian Porter.
“Roadmaps developed with industry have recently been released by the Morrison Government to inform the long-term strategy in each of these priority industries, including space, and to help capture exciting new opportunities to grow these sectors and create jobs.
“Innovation in the space sector also supports advancement in other essential industries, including agriculture and transport.”
Last month, the federal government announced that it will invest $387.2 million in the Square Kilometre Array radio telescope over the next decade.
The project’s 10-year construction phase should see the creation of more than 350 jobs, with a further 230 ongoing positions to come over its 50-year life.
Others science and technology initiatives announced in the latest Federal Budget include:
- $66.4 million over six years to boost workforce skills in cyber security and emerging technologies.
- $22.6 million over six years for 234 scholarships to support emerging technologies areas, identified through the Modern Manufacturing Strategy.
- $42.4 million over seven years to boost women in STEM through industry-focused university scholarships.
- $2.6 million to help Australian manufacturers and small- and medium-sized businesses access Commonwealth procurement.
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