The Agenda sets out the Government’s vision for using innovation and science to drive growth, jobs and prosperity.
As part of the announcement, $293.7 million over 10 years was set aside to meet Australia’s initial commitment to the SKA. The allocation means that pending a successful conclusion to the Convention negotiations now underway and the development of a satisfactory business case, funding is available to meet Australia’s obligations to the construction and initial operation of Phase 1 of the SKA.
This final decision on Australia’s involvement is expected to occur in the second half of 2016.
“Among other things, the announcement includes a number of positive initiatives for CSIRO,” said Lewis Ball, Director of CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science, “This is a positive development and a major step towards Australia co-hosting the SKA telescope.”
Additionally, information is also available on CSIRO’s innovation potential and how the organisation will benefit from other areas of the Innovation Statement.