The South Australian Government today welcomed the release of the Expert Reference Group Report and congratulated Dr. Megan Clark AC on her appointment to lead the establishment of the nation’s first-ever National Space Agency.

Premier Steven Marshall said that the South Australian Government is committed to ensuring that this state will be a key and increasingly prominent player in the space industry nationally and internationally.

“Growing a space industry and capturing the opportunities in this sector is a key priority for this government,” said Premier Steven Marshall.

“Our aim is to make South Australia the undisputed champion of space industry, and position ourselves to play a key role in tripling the size of Australia’s domestic space industry to up to $12 billion by 2030.

“South Australia has a proud history in space related work with a strong advanced manufacturing and technology skills base, making us ideally placed to play a lead role in this important industry as it grows worldwide.

“That’s why I have been engaging extensively with leaders in the space industry to assist in policy development, and with the Federal Government to put South Australia’s best foot forward to have the operations of the national space agency located in our state.

“Since becoming Premier I have met with the Prime Minister, Minister for Defence Industry, and Minister for Defence, to further advance the case for South Australia to be home to the national agency, and I’ll be meeting with Minister Cash this week.

“In South Australia, we understand the importance of space as a source of inspiration and wonder for our future generations, as well as realising that space is an enabler of economic growth for our current generation.”

The space sector in South Australia currently comprises more than 60 organisations, employs over 800 people and helps generate more than $300 million in economic activity.