Melissa Price was a strong advocate for the space industry during her time in the Morrison government and marked her appointment by hailing the “world-leading radio astronomy” in her Durack constituency.
The Albanese government cancelled the $1 billion EO project in 2023 that would have seen four local satellites launched from 2028. It aimed to make Australia “more self-sufficient” and lessen our reliance on other countries’ satellite capabilities.
Labor then shocked the industry again by axing the $3 billion JP 9102 SATCOM project last year, though it has repeatedly insisted the money will be spent on an alternative plan.
“I am honoured to today be appointed shadow minister for science and shadow minister for cyber security in the new Ley shadow ministry,” said Price in a statement.
“From world-leading radio astronomy in the Murchison to the science behind our farming, fishing and mining industries – Durack is driving innovation.
“I will always fight for better opportunities in STEM, increased cyber security, and a smarter, safer Australia. Together, let’s inspire the next generation of Aussie scientists and problem solvers!”
Price served as minister for science and technology from October 2021 to May 2022, and was also minister for defence industry and the environment in separate stints.
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She will now challenge new Labor appointment Tim Ayres, who replaced Ed Husic. Labor has been consistently criticised by the industry for its decision to take so much investment out of the sector.
After the axing of JP 9102, for example, the Space Industry Association (SIAA) said companies would think twice about working with Defence.
“While other OECD nations see sovereign space capability as critical to creating high-tech, high-value jobs and a military advantage, in our own backyard, we seem to be doing the exact opposite,” chairman Jeremy Hallett said.
The SIAA added that Australia “needs to become a contributor of space capabilities” and not just “an idle consumer from our international partners”.
“This is needed to achieve a level of strategic autonomy and resilience that is fundamental to securing future economic and national security.
“Owning and operating significant military space infrastructure in the Indo-Pacific as part of a multi-orbit architecture would have achieved this, and provided meaningful contribution into AUKUS Pillar 2, the advanced capabilities of which cannot function without space capability.”
JP 9102 was only signed off in 2023 with prime contractor Lockheed Martin beating big hitters including Boeing, Northrop Grumman Australia, and Optus to become the “preferred tenderer”.
Elsewhere, Angus Taylor will be the new shadow minister for defence, replacing Andrew Hastie, and Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price will become shadow minister for defence industry and shadow minister for defence personnel.
Adam Thorn
Adam is a journalist who has worked for more than 40 prestigious media brands in the UK and Australia. Since 2005, his varied career has included stints as a reporter, copy editor, feature writer and editor for publications as diverse as Fleet Street newspaper The Sunday Times, fashion bible Jones, media and marketing website Mumbrella as well as lifestyle magazines such as GQ, Woman’s Weekly, Men’s Health and Loaded. He joined Momentum Media in early 2020 and currently writes for Australian Aviation and World of Aviation.
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