Engineers Australia’s National Committee on Space Engineering (NCSpE) has developed and launched a policy advice paper on Australia’s space engineering capability through Engineers Australia’s member-delivered policy and advocacy initiative.
Growing and Sustaining Australia’s Space Engineering Capability and Competency calls on all levels of government to urgently address ten key recommendations, including planning for capacity growth and mandating international space engineering standards for space assets.
The paper states support of the space industry would further boost Australia’s manufacturing capability with flow on to adjacent sectors especially AI, robotics and quantum manufacturing.
Peter Moar, Chair of the NCSpE, says Australia can sustain a space industry capability to service its unique sovereign defence and civil needs whilst at the same time exporting that high value add competency to global markets.
“Australia needs to get smarter with its investment in this critical industry. We need qualified practicing space engineers involved from the beginning, to plan and execute that road map,” he says.
“Space infrastructure is critical. Our smartphones, GPS, online banking systems and much more require infrastructure in space to work and function.”
The advice paper is publicly available and will be shared with all levels of government to ensure the NCSpE’s ideas are in the hands of decision-makers.
“We are calling for government to switch on the funding for space programs for Australia to get our own assets into space over a 20-year timeline,” Professor Moar says.
Co-authors Anntonette Dailey and Roger Franzen urged Government to demonstrate leadership through the urgent implementation of the recommendations, stating “this is a critical time for Australia's leadership to be embracing space-based capabilities and developing deep competencies”.
Engineers Australia and the NCSpE will work with government, industry and academia to attract attention to capability needs outlined in the paper and can provide guidance on international standards, curricula for TAFE and university courses, government acquisitions, engineering skills assessment, CPD and school programs.
Growing and Sustaining Australia’s Space Engineering Capability and Competency is the product of Engineers Australia’s member-delivered policy and advocacy initiative. NCSpE used Engineers Australia's toolkit, including process guidelines, templates, and guidance from the Engineers Australia policy and advocacy team to develop and deliver their work.
Jenny Mitchell, General Manager, Policy and Advocacy says this paper is a compelling example of the critical work being done by our members to help build the profession’s influence on nationally significant issues.
“Engineers are an important voice in the development of Australia’s space industry and I congratulate the members of the NCSpE on their diligent work to develop thoughtful and positive solutions,” she says.
Ms Mitchell encourages all members who have critical issues to elevate in the national interest to explore the member-delivered policy and advocacy process.
“It supports engineers to do what they do best – turn ideas into implementation,” she says.