Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison has joined the board of one of Australia’s most ambitious space industry companies.
Space Center Australia, which is building Australia’s first permanent spaceport at Cape York in far north Queensland, has appointed Mr Morrison as non-executive chairman of the company.
Morrison, who served as Australia’s Prime Minister from 2018 to 2022, said he would use the appointment to elevate the country’s nascent space sector.
“I am delighted to take on this new role in the SCA team as they implement their plans to become not only the leading permanent spaceport with the most comprehensive launch services offering in Australia, but a leading player in the space launch sector. globally.’ he said in a statement on Sunday.
‘(CEO) James Palmer and the SCA team have already earned the respect of space industry leaders such as NASA and are building the commercial and international partnerships necessary to realize their comprehensive, detailed, long-term plans.
“I believe SCA will present a unique offering to global investors, providing exposure to the rapidly growing global space sector while also providing the stability and durability associated with a traditional infrastructure investment.”
Morrison’s appointment comes as the federal government relaxes restrictions on US companies launching rockets from Australian soil through the Technology Safeguards Agreement, meaning giants like Elon Musk’s SpaceX could one day fire rockets into space from platforms Australian launches.
Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison with Australian Space Center CEO James Palmer after joining the company’s board of directors
Morrison said Australia had advantages in developing the space industry through its system of alliances with like-minded democracies, international partnerships and AUKUS activities.
“I was passionate about the potential of the Australian space sector, from a commercial, scientific and strategic perspective, especially with regards to security and defence,” he said.
‘Our AUKUS, Quad and bilateral partnerships are ideal vehicles to enable Australia to realize this potential. “I am excited to continue these initiatives in this new role in the private space industry with SCA.”
Palmer said Morrison’s “vast experience” in governance and international diplomacy would help the company develop a “world-class space port facility.”
“Scott’s deep understanding of both Australia’s strategic position in the global space industry and the importance of fostering strong international partnerships will be instrumental as we advance our ambitious plans to support the future of space exploration and industry,” he stated.
Scott Morrison (pictured with his wife Jenny and two daughters) left politics earlier this year.
SCA is headquartered in Cairns and the company plans to support low-Earth, medium-Earth and high-Earth orbit launches and deep space exploration services from its spaceport.
Morrison took over the Liberal Party in 2018 and won the 2019 election against Labor opposition leader Bill Shorten.
He was defeated in the 2022 election by current Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
