Committee examines Framework for Australia-US Cooperation in Space and Aeronautics

THE Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) will hold a public hearing on Monday 14 September as part of its inquiry into the Framework Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of the United States of America on Cooperation in Aeronautics and the Exploration and Use of Airspace and Outer Space for Peaceful Purposes. The agreement was referred to the committee on June 23.

The agreement aims to establish an overarching treaty-level framework for civil cooperation between Australia and the United States in aeronautics, space exploration, and the exploration and use of airspace and outer space for peaceful purposes. Potential areas of cooperation include space exploration, space science, Earth observation and Earth science, space medicine and life sciences, aeronautics research, and technology.

The US has similar agreements with more than a dozen countries, including Canada, France and New Zealand.

Committee Chair, Ms Lisa Chesters MP, said, "The inquiry provides an opportunity to examine the practical operation of the agreement and consider how its implementation may support Australia’s economic and strategic interests.

"The committee is interested in understanding the potential benefits, risks and implementation considerations associated with the Agreement, including its implications for research collaboration, industry participation and Australia's international partnerships in the space sector," Ms Chesters said.

The committee will hear evidence from the Australian Space Agency, CSIRO, the Bureau of Meteorology, Geoscience Australia and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Further information about the inquiry, including the treaty text, National Interest Analysis and submissions received by the committee, are available on the inquiry webpage.

Public hearing details

Date: Monday, 14 September 2026
Time: 10:30am to 11:30am AEST (approximately)
Location: Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House Canberra

The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live.

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