Page 840 - Week 03 - Wednesday, 20 March 2019
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
The fact that our city is home to all of these jobs and the fact that the local industry’s capability is internationally renowned explains why it was so perplexing that the federal coalition government made a decision to uproot the agency from Canberra and move it to Adelaide.
It is timely to be debating decentralisation of the public sector more broadly today because this decision is a further example of the self-defeating actions in moving important national agencies away from Canberra. In the context of the Australian space industry, where we have one in four jobs already and that national and international capability, the decision to headquarter the agency in Adelaide is even more absurd.
MR PETTERSSON: Chief Minister, what is next for the space sector in the ACT?
MR BARR: Following the signing of the MOU with the agency we will continue to work on significant initiatives to support our local industry. That includes the investment of a further $9.75 million over three years in stimulus and innovative infrastructure projects under the priority investment program.
We are partnering with the agency to promote Canberra’s space industry capability at the 35th Space Symposium in Colorado Springs next month. We are exploring a similar opportunity to partner with the national agency in October 2019 at the International Astronautical Congress in Washington DC.
Canberra is hosting the ministerial summit for the intergovernmental group on earth observations in November 2019. This summit brings together representatives from 105 countries and 100-plus international organisations providing an opportunity for our city to showcase its space capabilities to a global audience. We are also working with the Space Industry Association of Australia to host a space industry forum later this year.
Of course, in July we will be undertaking a range of activities led by Minister Gentleman to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing to celebrate and recognise Canberra’s involvement in the Apollo 11 mission, to promote our local space industry capability and to help inspire the next generation into STEM and space careers.
Madam Speaker, I ask that all further questions be placed on the notice paper.
Supplementary answer to question without notice
ACT Policing—body cameras
MR GENTLEMAN: In relation to the questions Ms Le Couteur asked in question time, I am advised that the body-worn camera technology is only currently activated when a taser or firearm is drawn. The technology is capable of broader use. However, the current restriction to taser or firearm use-of-force incidents will not be revised until appropriate governance is developed and approved, in conjunction with key stakeholders. Ultimately this is a decision for the Chief Police Officer.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video