International Astronautical Congress

Ms DIGANCE (Elder) (14:54): My question is to the Minister for Defence Industries. Can the minister update the house on the upcoming International Astronautical Congress 2017?

The Hon. M.L.J. HAMILTON-SMITH (Waite—Minister for Investment and Trade, Minister for Small Business, Minister for Defence Industries, Minister for Veterans' Affairs) (14:55): I thank the member for her question because it is now less than 50 days until Adelaide hosts the 2017 International Astronautical Congress. South Australia is leading the way when it comes to development of the space industry in this country. The space industry has an important role to play in South Australia's economy, and it brings with it high-tech jobs, opportunities for innovation and international collaboration. The IAC 2017 presents a significant opportunity to promote the state's capabilities in space defence, telecommunications, advanced manufacturing, education and research and development.

This is a $330 billion industry around the globe—$3 billion to $4 billion in Australia, over 11,000 jobs—and we need to be the industry node in this future capability. Updated figures show the IAC 2017 is expected to attract more than 4,000 delegates to Adelaide and result in an estimated $25 million boost to the South Australian economy. As of 31 July, there have been almost 2,000 registrations received, with country participation led by Australia at 30 per cent; the USA, 13 per cent; Germany, 12 per cent; and Japan, 7 per cent, with those figures moving swiftly. This is above the level expected this far out from the congress.

The IAC 2017 will have a focus on education, and the South Australian government is promoting STEM to more than 1,400 schoolchildren through a range of activities and workshops at the State Library and Museum, as well as training 600 teachers. The South Australian government will have key involvement in the congress, with the Premier speaking at the opening ceremony, alongside the Lord Mayor of Adelaide, the Chair of the Space Industry Association of Australia and the President of the International Astronautical Federation.

The South Australian government will also be represented with an exhibition stand, which includes exhibits from 11 private local companies, three universities, five government agencies and the Hamilton Space School based at Hamilton College in Mitchell Park. The Premier will host the South Australian state dinner, which will feature Dr Andy Thomas, as keynote speaker. The dinner will be attended by 150 guests, including heads of space agencies, astronauts, international parliamentarians and senior industry and academia representatives.

As the Premier recently announced, Elon Musk, the founder of SpaceX, has confirmed he will speak on the final afternoon of the congress and, in fact, he has indicated he will update the international community on the mission to Mars program in conjunction with NASA. The congress will establish ongoing partnerships with leading agencies, companies and educational research organisations that will benefit South Australia and add value to our industries and services over the long term. South Australia is moving away from high volume, low value, low margin manufacturing towards high volume, high value, high margin manufacturing, a future economy based around science and technology, and space is part of that story.

The IAC 2017 is an opportunity to excite and inspire young people in schools and universities and promote STEM career opportunities for future jobs creation. Members can find information on the congress at www.iac2017.org. I look forward to updating the house on the outcomes of the congress in due course. The dates of the IAC are 25 to 29 September.