Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr today announced the appointment of UniSA's Professor Andrew Parfitt to the newly formed Space Industry Innovation Council (Space IIC).
 
Professor Parfitt is the Pro Vice Chancellor of the Division of Information Technology, Engineering and the Environment at UniSA.
 
The announcement was made at UniSA's Mawson Lakes campus where the Senator had an opportunity to tour UniSA's Institute for Telecommunications Research.
 
Established in November 2009 the Space Industry Innovation Council was created following the Senate Standing Committee on Economics inquiry into Australia's space science and industry sector.
 
The foundation of the new Space IIC will help to foster the development of the space science and industry sector. Its role is to support Australian innovation which will counter problems associated with climate change and national security and improve natural resource management, forestry and agriculture, and disaster management
 
Professor Parfitt says people might be surprised to know how the space sector touches almost every aspect of Australian life.
 
"Australia is reliant on a huge range of space services that include satellite communications, navigation and positioning systems and earth observation, supporting areas ranging from environmental management to emergency response." Professor Parfitt said. 
 
"Despite its importance the sector has remained fragmented and uncoordinated for many decades.
 
"The space industry faces a range of challenges and opportunities and the Space IIC will examine Australia's current civil space activities, risks and strategic priorities focusing on the areas mentioned with a view to making the most of the talent and enterprise we have here."
 
Previously Director of UniSA's Institute for Telecommunications Research and the Chief Executive Officer of the Cooperative Research Centre for Satellite Systems, Prof Parfitt has an international reputation in satellite communications and space technologies. Professor Parfitt also chairs the Australian Academy of Science National Committee for Radio Science.
 
UniSA Vice Chancellor Professor Peter Høj said that the appointment of Professor Parfitt was further recognition that UniSA was making substantial contributions to Australia's innovation agenda.
 
Professor Parfitt's appointment follows on from that of Professor Caroline McMillen, Deputy Vice Chancellor: Research and Innovation, to the Automotive Industry Innovation Council in 2009.

Source: University Of South Australia http://www.unisa.edu.au/news/2010/200110.asp