Unifying Space: Australia Needs a Whole of Government Space Policy

Abstract

• Australia’s past and current space experience is characterised by the intertwined threads of civilian, defence and alliance interests. Defence has dominated much of Australia’s efforts in space, while in turn civilian space has been used to cement international relationships. • Despite the overlap between different areas of Australia’s space activities, Australia has consistently neglected a whole-of-government approach to policy. While a civil space policy exists, this focuses on industry; no public defence policy has yet been written. • Given the contested and congested nature of space today, the absence of a comprehensive space policy risks continuing Australia’s fragmented approach into a new era of space. Equally, there are significant benefits to developing such a policy, including a single national voice on a vital domain of national endeavour, a sustainable space industry and the efficient development of burdensharing opportunities within the alliance.