Senator MARGETTS (12:53 PM) —There are a number of issues in relation to safety in space and, of course, for launch procedures. We are finding that over time space is being seen to be, as the air and water are often seen to be, a commodity that can be used and abused to an endless extent. As we are going further into the satellite age, we are putting more and more satellites into the atmosphere. I believe there are something like 25,000 objects currently in orbit. I also believe that when there are explosions in the atmosphere a lot of those bodies can break up into something like 800 or so pieces.

Putting satellites into space is actually getting to be a relatively dangerous thing. This harks back to the original proposal by the Australian Democrats in relation to liability. We actually have to consider, on a case-by-case basis, the toxicity of what we are putting into space, and what the growing likelihood might be of a collision in space. We have to consider what the likelihood is of the items on board, which might be toxic, radio-toxic or otherwise, somehow either getting into the atmosphere or causing a collision which will affect other satellites or objects in space.

We have to have a cumulative risk assessment. You probably have to adjust this risk assessment, based on the nature of each launch and the area into which it is launched. There was an explosion within about 25 kilometres of the Hubble space platform, and in space terms that is not very far away.

Like everyone else, we are impressed by what can be done with technology but we, as Australians, ought to be taking some responsibility for the potential problems that exist with the technology. We should consider what our responsibilities might be. I think that the Democrats amendment is worthy of support. I am concerned and disappointed that the government is not prepared to support it.

Amendment not agreed to.