Arthur Sinodinos (NSW, Liberal Party, Cabinet Secretary) Share this | Hansard source

A recent report by the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science found that our space industry employs between 9,500 and 11,500 people and is growing. Almost 90 per cent of companies are expected to grow their staff by more than 25 per cent over the next three years. To support this growing sector, in October 2015 the government announced a review of the Space Activities Act. The act establishes a licensing and safety regime for the regulation of space activities carried out either from Australia or by Australian nationals overseas. New developments are driving change, including reducing many of the traditional barriers to entry into the space industry, which creates new opportunities for Australian firms. This review will ensure our civil space regulations do not curtail development opportunities for Australian businesses in the sector. There have been public submissions and consultations already, and the government will announce its intentions for possible reform of the legislation in due course.