Advertisement

Space is Scott Morrison’s newest frontier as chair of ambitious launch pad plan

Scott Morrison, to infinity and beyond.

Scott Morrison, to infinity and beyond. Photo: TND

Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s post-parliamentary career has moved to a new frontier – leading an ambitious push to make Cape York in Queensland the location of a launching pad to outer space.

But the founder and CEO of the venture Morrison will chair, known as Space Centre Australia (SCA), has come under pressure in the past for owing hundreds of thousands of dollars to creditors from a different business.

The former PM announced that he will be the “inaugural chair of Space Centre Australia’s global group” on his social media pages on Sunday.

“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.

“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 parliamentarians often take up roles in the private sector to open the doors to former colleagues, and Morrison’s post-politics career is no different.

He recently announced that he would be joining Dan Andrews to work as a consultant for billionaire Anthony Pratt.

Dubious past

SCA has grand plans to build a spaceport complex across two locations on the Cape York Peninsula, with small-scale launches slated for the end of 2026 and larger operations by 2029.

Palmer, SCA’s founder and CEO, has come under scrutiny in the past for allegedly failing to pay employees after a different business, Palm Branch Group, went into liquidation.

A liquidator’s report stated that the company owed $661,250 to creditors, including $218,000 to former employees when it went under.

He also told potential SCA employees in 2021 that he had received a commitment of $100 million in investment from a federal government concessional loans program for SCA, despite the spokesperson for the program denying it had committed any funds, according to the Cairns Post.

Palmer said in a statement he and Morrison are committed to “creating a sustainable, innovative, and secure future for space operations, ensuring Australia plays a pivotal role in shaping the next frontier”.

“His vast experience in international governance, diplomacy and leadership uniquely positions him to guide our organisation as we continue our mission to develop a world-class spaceport facility,” he said.

“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.”

Morrison and Palmer are trying to make a space complex in Cape York a reality. Photo: SCA

Palmer was contacted for comment.

Space industry

Australia has a strong and storied history in the space industry, becoming the third nation to design and launch a satellite in 1967 using a rocket donated by the United States government.

The country’s location has made it prized for the ability to collect data on satellites and launches for allies.

Morrison said that as Prime Minister, he was “passionate about the Australian space sector from a commercial, scientific and strategic perspective”.

“Our AUKUS, Quad and bilateral partnerships are all ideal vehicles to enable Australia to achieve this potential,” he said.

“I am excited to be able to follow through on these initiatives in this new role in the private space industry with SCA.”

Advertisement
Stay informed, daily
A FREE subscription to The New Daily arrives every morning and evening.
The New Daily is a trusted source of national news and information and is provided free for all Australians. Read our editorial charter.
Copyright © 2024 The New Daily.
All rights reserved.