Scott Morrison announces surprise move with Space Centre Australia after quitting politics

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

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

Mr Morrison, who served as Prime Minister of Australia from 2018 to 2022, said he would use the appointment to take the country’s burgeoning space sector to the next level.

“I am thrilled 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 range of launch services in Australia, but also a leading player in the space launch sector worldwide. he said in a statement on Sunday.

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

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

Morrison’s appointment comes as the federal government eases 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.

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

“I was passionate about the potential of Australia’s space sector, from a commercial, scientific and strategic perspective, especially as it relates to security and defence,” he said.

“Our AUKUS, Quad and bilateral partnerships are all ideal vehicles to enable Australia to realize this potential. I am pleased to continue these initiatives in this new role in the private space industry at 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 in advancing our ambitious plans to support the future of space exploration and industry,” said he.

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

Headquartered in Cairns, SCA 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 elections by current Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.