Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison joins Space Centre Australia

Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison has landed a surprise new role in Australia’s budding space industry.

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

Space Centre Australia, which is building Australia’s first permanent spaceport at Cape York in far north Queensland, has appointed Mr Morrison non-executive chair of the company.

Mr Morrison, who served as Prime Minister from 2018-2022, said he would use the appointment to elevate the country’s budding space sector.

“I’m thrilled to be taking on this new role with the team at SCA as they implement their plans to become not just the premier permanent spaceport with the most comprehensive launch service offering in Australia but a leading player in the space launch sector globally,” he said in a statement on Sunday.

“(CEO) James Palmer and the team at SCA have already garnered the respect of space sector leaders such as NASA and are building the commercial and international partnerships needed to realise their comprehensive, long term and detailed plans.

Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison with Space Centre Australia CEO James Palmer. Picture: Supplied

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

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

Mr Morrison said Australia held advantages in space industry development through its alliance system with like-minded democracies, international partnerships and AUKUS pursuits.

“I was passionate about the Australian space sector’s potential, from a commercial, scientific and strategic perspective, especially when it comes to security and Defence,” he said.

“Our AUKUS, Quad and bilateral partnerships are all ideal vehicles to enable Australia to achieve this potential. I am excited to be able to follow through on these initiatives in this new role in the private space industry with SCA.”

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

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

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

Mr Morrison took over the Liberal Party in 2018 and won the 2019 election against Labor Opposition Leader Bill Shorten. He was defeated at the 2022 election by current Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.