Scott Morrison announces surprise move with Australian Space Center after abandoning politics

Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison has joined the board of one of the most ambitious companies in Australia’s space industry.

Space Center Australia, which is building Australia’s first permanent spaceport in Cape York in far north Queensland, has appointed Morrison as the company’s non-executive chairman.

Morrison, who served as Australia’s prime minister from 2018 to 2022, said he would use the appointment to elevate the country’s burgeoning space sector.

‘I am excited to take on this new role with the SCA team as they implement their plans to become not only the premier permanent spaceport with the most comprehensive launch service offering in Australia, but also a leading player in the space launch sector in everyone. ‘, he said in a statement on Sunday.

‘(CEO) James Palmer and the SCA team have already earned the respect of space industry leaders such as NASA and are building the commercial and international partnerships necessary to realize their comprehensive, detailed, long-term plans.

‘I believe SCA will present a unique offering to global investors, providing exposure to the rapidly growing global space sector while providing the stability and durability associated with a traditional infrastructure investment.’

Morrison’s appointment comes as the federal government relaxes restrictions on US companies launching rockets from Australian soil through the Technology Safeguards Agreement, meaning giants like Elon Musk’s SpaceX could one day launch rockets into space from Australian launch pads.

Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison with Space Center Australia CEO James Palmer after joining the company’s board

Morrison said Australia has advantages in developing the space industry through its alliance system with like-minded democracies, international partnerships and AUKUS activities.

“I was passionate about the potential of the Australian space sector, from a commercial, scientific and strategic point of view, especially when it comes to security and defence,” he said.

‘Our AUKUS, Quad and bilateral partnerships are ideal vehicles to enable Australia to achieve this potential. I am excited to be able to continue these initiatives in this new role in the private space industry with SCA.’

Palmer said Morrison’s “vast experience” in international governance and diplomacy would help the company develop a “world-class spaceport facility.”

“Scott’s deep understanding of Australia’s strategic position in the global space industry and the importance of fostering strong international partnerships will be key as we advance our ambitious plans to support the future of space exploration and industry,” he said.

Scott Morrison (pictured with his wife Jenny and two daughters) left politics earlier this year

SCA is headquartered in Cairns and the company plans to support low, medium and high Earth orbit launches and deep space exploration services from its spaceport.

Morrison took over the Liberal Party in 2018 and won the 2019 election against Labor opposition leader Bill Shorten.

He was defeated in the 2022 election by current Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.