The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) will hold a public hearing for its inquiry into the Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of the United States of America on Technology Safeguards Associated with United States Participation in Space Launches from Australia.

Media release issue date: Monday, 13 May 2024

The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) will hold a public hearing for its inquiry into the Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of the United States of America on Technology Safeguards Associated with United States Participation in Space Launches from Australia. The treaty aligns with Australia’s national interest to develop a space launch sector capable of meeting the growing demands for space launch. Australia has a unique geographical location which makes it strategically ideal for growing and commercialising the space launch sector. Currently, Australia exports the majority of its satellites to the US for launch by US companies. This new agreement will allow US companies, universities, and government organisations to undertake space launching activities here in Australia, including the launch of Australian satellites on US launch vehicles. By providing legal and technical frameworks, this agreement guarantees the protection of US space technology launched from Australia. The agreement is consistent with Australia’s non-proliferation goals embodied in the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) Guidelines. Committee Chair Mr Josh Wilson MP said: “With the global space sector forecast to grow rapidly, this agreement will open new commercial opportunities for Australia’s space launch programs. The agreement will contribute to building a robust and sustainable space launch sector here in Australia, making us more attractive as a global launching hub.” Mr Wilson further said: “Australia’s domestic policies and regulations have created an open marketplace that will allow countries from around the world to launch from Australia. By providing a reliable and responsible foundation for the United States to access space, Australia will strengthen an already well-established relationship, and will seek to leverage expanded launch activities into a growing Australian space sector.” The program and more details about the inquiry are available on the committee’s website. The hearing can be accessed online. Public hearing details Date: Monday 13 May 2024 Time: 11:15 am approximately Location: Committee Room 1R6 Media inquiries Mr Tim Watkin, Chief of Staff, Office of Josh Wilson MP  0434 555 823

The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) has tabled a report recommending the ratification of the following treaty action: Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of the United States of America on Technology Safeguards Associated with United States Participation in Space Launches from Australia

Media release issue date: Monday, 1 January 0001

The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) has tabled a report recommending the ratification of the following treaty action: Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of the United States of America on Technology Safeguards Associated with United States Participation in Space Launches from Australia Committee Chair Mr Josh Wilson MP said, “This Agreement aligns with Australia’s national interests and benefits the development of the Australian Space industry, by growing a more skilled workforce in the space sector and providing increased opportunities for Australian companies. The increase in US investment and activity will also benefit the Australian economy.” Mr Wilson continued, “The Agreement reflects Australia’s commitment to transforming and growing our space sector, as well as further developing our strong bilateral relationship with the US.” The Agreement aims to protect US technology launched in Australia and ensure that it remains under US control. It provides a legal and technical framework that protects US launch vehicles, spacecraft, related equipment, and technical data. This would enable US companies, government organisations and universities to undertake commercial space launch activities in Australia.  The Committee supports ratification and recommends that binding treaty action be taken for this Agreement. The report can be found on the Committee website, along with further information on the inquiry. Media inquiries Mr Tim Watkin, Chief of Staff, Office of Josh Wilson MP 0434 555 823 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4002 jsct@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.