Australian Space Agency

Burnell highlighted the growth of the space sector, noting it generated $4.6 billion annually and employed 17,000 people. Burnell pointed to the Australian Space Agency delivering $171 million in grants to 91 projects and the upcoming International Astronautical Congress as evidence of sector strength. Burnell mentioned specific achievements, including the development of the Roo-ver lunar rover and investments in companies like Myriota. Burnell argued that the government was actively supporting innovation and sovereign capability through targeted funding and infrastructure upgrades.

Venning criticised the government for abandoning the coalition's vision to grow the industry to $12 billion. Venning listed specific funding cuts, including $1.2 billion from Earth Observation and millions from spaceport and launch site programs. Venning argued that these reductions harmed regional economies, particularly in Grey, where launch sites like Whalers Way and Koonibba were generating significant economic activity. Venning claimed the cuts would cost the nation billions in GDP and jobs, undermining Australia's position in the global space race.

Georganas emphasised the importance of the space industry to South Australia, particularly in the Lot Fourteen innovation district. Georganas noted the sector's role in national security, climate resilience, and economic growth, citing the $4.6 billion annual turnover. Georganas highlighted recent grant funding for Inovor Technologies to develop a satellite for space situational awareness. Georganas invited members to an event with the space industry to discuss its role in Australian innovation and technology.

Rebello argued that space was a vital sovereign capability essential for defence, emergency management, and agriculture. Rebello claimed the government had weakened national capacity by cancelling the National Space Mission for Earth Observation and cutting funding for other key programs. Rebello stated that reliance on foreign satellites was a vulnerability that Australia could no longer accept. Rebello contrasted the coalition's record of investment with what he described as the government's short-termism and neglect of national priorities.

Gosling acknowledged the contributions of First Nations people to star knowledge and highlighted the evolution of Australia's commercial space capability. Gosling noted the fivefold increase in space launch applications since 2021 and the government's support for homegrown innovation, such as funding for Atomionics. Gosling emphasised the strategic importance of space for weather forecasting, national security, and connectivity in remote communities. Gosling pointed to the successful Gilmour rocket launch as evidence of a thriving and supported industry.

Willcox celebrated the recent test flight of the Gilmour Space rocket in Dawson as a milestone for sovereign launch capability. Willcox argued that the coalition had laid the foundations for the sector with over $2 billion in investment and specific grants for launch capability. Willcox claimed the current government had slashed funding and kept cuts to programs tied to international partners secret, undermining security alliances. Willcox called for urgent investment to secure Australia's place as a leader in the global space sector.

Clutterham highlighted the role of Lot Fourteen in Adelaide as a hub for space and defence technology innovation. Clutterham noted that the Australian Space Agency had delivered a seven-to-one return on investment through its grant programs. Clutterham discussed specific companies like Fleet Space Technologies and Myriota, which were receiving government support to develop critical mineral exploration and satellite connectivity capabilities. Clutterham emphasised the integration of space capabilities into defence planning to reduce dependency on external providers.