June 11 2018 Government needs to step up to attract space commitment The State Opposition has called on the McGowan Government to step up its efforts to attract investment for an Australian Space Agency base in Western Australia. Opposition Leader Mike Nahan said the Government’s report on WA’s space industry capability would be insufficient to beat other states in the race to become the centre of the nation’s space industry. “The McGowan Government is not doing enough to give WA the best shot at becoming home to the national Space Agency and a space research, development and industry hub,” Dr Nahan said. “The Opposition stands ready to provide bipartisan support for a comprehensive proposal developed in conjunction with our universities and private sector investors and backed with State Government funding.” Dr Nahan said a WA plan needed to be ready to go to Australian Space Agency head Megan Clark when she commenced on July 1 this year. “Other states, including New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia are ready at the start line with proposals and funding commitments while the McGowan Government is doing nothing more than saying we have the capacity,” Dr Nahan said. “The case for WA to be home to the nation’s space centre headquarters was made in August last year by myself and Senator Linda Reynolds, now it’s time for the McGowan Government to put forward a model for delivery and its plan for funding. “Senator Reynolds has shown outstanding leadership in leading a bipartisan approach to securing the agency for WA, including securing the backing and cooperation of our universities and that hard work now needs to be followed up with a commitment from the WA Government. “It is time for the WA Government to work with our universities and put forward a joint vision for a space industry in WA that includes investment in bricks and mortar. “The Government needs to lead not just lobby. “If the McGowan Government is serious about getting a space agency and industry in WA it needs to put funding on the table to show its commitment is legitimate.” Media Contact |
