Speeches
Monday, 15 June 2026
Advancing Space Together – A Japan and South Australia Dialogue (Tokyo)
South Australia and Japan share strong interests in the space sector, grounded in decades of scientific collaboration, research and technological exchanges and a strategic bilateral relationship.
I am pleased today to talk about how our two regions can capitalise on the value of closer cooperation, in areas such as space security, critical infrastructure resilience, advanced manufacturing, lunar and planetary exploration and commercial space development.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Australia-Japan Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation, a landmark agreement that has underpinned the modern bilateral relationship since 1976.
This celebration of five decades of partnership is timely as we look to advance our shared vision for future cooperation across our space sectors.
South Australia is home to the Australian Space Agency and the Australian Space Discovery Centre, anchoring major programs, investment, and national coordination from the heart of our state.
It is supported by world-class space infrastructure, including the Woomera Range Complex where South Australia has one of the most versatile launch sites in the world with polar, sun-synchronous orbits and sub-orbital launches.
We have end-to-end mission capabilities from satellite launch to payload recovery.
Whaler’s Way Orbital Launch Complex and the Koonibba Test Range made history with the world’s first commercial return to a commercial spaceport.
Our state is also the hub for the Responsive Space Operations Centre, and a forthcoming Australian Space Common User Facility in the heart of our city, Adelaide, at one of our globally recognised innovation districts, Lot Fourteen.
Like Japan, we have a world-class reputation when it comes to space research and development.
We have capabilities in innovation, research and the startup ecosystem, with SmartSat CRC, university research hubs, and programs accelerating the development of early-stage companies.
Our state is uniquely positioned as a global leader in space agriculture research and the development of plants and crops for space environments through:
- An established space and agri-tech ecosystem
- Harsh and diverse environments for testing
- Cutting-edge research in controlled agriculture
- Strong international collaboration and industry partnerships, including with Japan
- Government support and funding for space innovation.
The South Australian Government has committed $33 million over four years to supporting the space ecosystem, including targeted programs like the Space Collaboration and Innovation Fund, Venture Catalyst Space and the Space Collaboration and Innovation Fund.
It is keen to strengthen the relationship with Japan to build upon the cooperation our two regions already have on space initiatives, which date back many years.
The most notable initiative has been our partnership on the Hayabusa 1 and 2 missions.
In a world-first, the missions collected asteroid samples, which were returned to Earth, landing in the Woomera Protected Area in regional South Australia.
These missions were ground-breaking for both our nations and have had a lasting impact.
The launch rail used in initial trials at Woomera was gifted by JAXA and is still used today, as the primary launch rail at the test range.
2026 presents a timely opportunity for South Australia and Japan to deepen its space engagement as we further work together.
The South Australia-Japanese partnership on the Artemis III mission marks another significant chapter in the collaboration between us in space exploration.
Under this mission, Adelaide University’s Andy Thomas Centre for Space Resources is involved in the Lunar Dielectric Analyser mission, led by JAXA.
This mission aims to help identify potential resources, such as water, to support a sustainable human presence on the moon by the end of this decade.
South Australia is also excited about JAXA’s next ground-breaking mission – Martian Moons eXploration (MMX), which plans to collect surface material from Phobos, one of Mars’ two moons.
We look forward to the progress of this exciting mission and to playing a role in its success, with the possible return of samples to Woomera in the future.
Friends,
Together, we have an opportunity to strengthen academic and workforce development ties in our respective space ecosystems – something South Australia was pleased to show our strengths in, along with our space ecosystem more broadly, at last year’s World Expo Osaka.
As part of the Expo, South Australia’s premium food, wine and beverages were also showcased and I’m pleased that today, you will have an opportunity to enjoy a taste of South Australia.
Food and agriculture are vital sectors for our economies and they are also areas where we share common ground and growth potential.
South Australian Wine Ambassadors, who are part of an international network of South Australian wine advocates, will be pouring some of our premium wines from our distinctive wine regions.
Global demand for high-quality, sustainably produced food is only going to grow, and South Australia and Japan are perfectly positioned to meet this demand.
By working together, we can create real win-win outcomes, boosting trade, creating jobs and driving innovation in our food, wine and beverage sectors, as well as our space sectors.
I look forward to today’s discussions that will strengthen our ties as we build upon the valuable South Australia and Japan relationship.
Thank you.