The Albanese government will axe restrictions on commercial US rocket launches in Australia, opening the door for the likes of Elon Musk to set up operations in the outback and help the two countries take on an ascendent China in the space race.
As part of his official visit to Washington, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will announce a major new deal that will boost Australia’s commercial space industry by greenlighting more satellite launches.
The space breakthrough – just months after Canberra angered the Biden administration by cutting space funding – comes as Mr Albanese was due to hold a one-on-one Oval Office meeting with President Joe Biden on Wednesday morning (early Thursday AEDT).
At the welcome ceremony on the White House’s South Lawn, Mr Albanese was expected to warn that American leadership could not be taken for granted, and to praise Mr Biden for “the personal resolve” shown in response to Hamas’ terror attack on Israel.
He was expected to say Mr Biden had stood up for the principles that every Israeli and Palestinian life mattered, and in conflict, every effort must be made to protect civilians.
“American leadership is indispensable – but it is not inevitable,” Mr Albanese was expected to say, according to speech notes.
“American leadership is indispensable – but it is not inevitable,” Mr Albanese was expected to say, according to speech notes.
“American leadership is indispensable – but it is not inevitable,” Mr Albanese was expected to say, according to speech notes.
