Objective
Foster innovation, investment and growth in the Australian aerospace industry, and maximise Australian industry involvement in the Joint Strike Fighter Program and participation in global supply chains.
Significance for Australia
Australia’s aerospace sector employs around 13,000 people. The industry turnover is $3.9 billion a year of which 20% is exported and $1.8 billion is Australian value added. The sector includes aircraft components and aircraft manufacturing, repair and maintenance, system design and development, aviation training and air traffic management products. Participants include subsidiaries of global companies and a significant number of small to medium sized enterprises. Imports occupy 85 per cent of the domestic market.
Australia’s space industry is currently active in telecommunications, satellite operations and services, signal and data processing, space debris tracking, space instrumentation, Global Positioning System applications and use of Earth observation data.
Departmental role and current achievements
The Department’s role is to ensure a competitive business environment for Australian aerospace firms, promote innovation and facilitate access to global supply chains. Achievements include:
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close Government and industry cooperation to address the strategic and competitive challenges facing the industry;
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ensuring that the agreement with the USA for the development of the Joint Strike Fighter Program includes opportunities for Australian aerospace industry development; and
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hosting the Australian Government Space Forum, involving representatives from Government agencies with an interest in space, to disseminate information about Australian Government space-related policies and programs.
Targets for 2008 - 2009
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Promote Australian industry participation in the US$200 billion Joint Strike Fighter Program;
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Support the Australian Aerospace Industry Forum and its working groups to assist industry to pursue innovation, integrate with global supply chains and overcome barriers to growth; and
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Promote Australian firms' capability in the Extension of Aircraft Life market.
For further information
Phone: +61 2 6213 6420
Email: aerospace@innovation.gov.au
Web: www.innovation.gov.au/space
www.innovation.gov.au/aerospaceforum
May 2008