The Australian Space Agency (ASA) released its institutional charter on 29 October 2018 that will guide the agency in its efforts to develop Australian civil space capabilities and competencies, as well as establish a thriving space and satellite industrial base.
“The charter provides a high-level strategic overview of the agency, laying out approved governance arrangements including purpose, responsibilities and roles of the heads of agency and the advisory board,” said Karen Andrews, Australian Minister for Industry, Science, and Technology. She added that the charter builds on the coalition government’s establishment of the Australian Space Agency to advance the space industry and broader economy, and create more local jobs in the sector.
The charter is also informed by the draft charter provided in the Review of Australia’s Space Industry Capability and the Australian Government Response to the Review. It supports, but is not intended to replace, other strategy and governance documents, including the agency advisory board’s terms of reference. The charter is approved by the Minister responsible for civil space activities.
“Apart from the advisory board, the Space Co-ordination Committee (SCC) and Space Industry Leaders Forum will assist the agency in meeting our goals to drive new opportunities on the national and international stage, working with states, territories and government and industry leaders,” said Anthony Murfett, deputy head of the Australian Space Agency. Murfett has oversight of strategy, policy, and day-to-day operations of the agency and supports Dr. Clark in monitoring the agency’s performance.
The charter specifies that an independent, skills-based advisory board will provide advice to the agency head, Dr. Megan Clark. In consultation with the advisory board, the head may make operational changes to the agency’s charter. Where substantive changes to the charter are proposed, the Minister must be consulted.
“The advisory board will review and advise strategic direction and performance of the agency, and support the agency to achieve its purpose to grow and transform Australia’s space industry,” Minister Andrews said
The Australian Space Agency seeks to transform and grow a globally respected Australian space industry that lifts the broader economy, inspires and improves the lives of Australians, underpinned by strong international and national engagement. It is responsible for whole-of-government co-ordination of civil space matters and is the primary source of advice to the Australian government on civil space policy.
