Arthur Sinodinos (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science) Share this | Hansard source

The ESO strategic partnership is vital for advancing our scientific and industry capabilities. These capabilities take time and dedicated work to develop. This is a long-term measure. The initial phase will happen over 10 years, and we expect that Australia will then transition to full membership of the ESO. Support for astronomy and the development of innovative astronomical instrumentation is entirely in line with the Turnbull government's National Science Statement, which I released at the Press Club earlier this year. It outlines our broad agenda of investing in science and research, enabling ideas, innovation and commercialisation to flourish, growing businesses and jobs, improving productivity and, importantly, building globally competitive industries. It also complements the work that we have already completed with the National Innovation and Science Agenda. It will increase the capacity for research and industry to collaborate and foster new Australian skills and capabilities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.