Federal Labor is calling for Australia's new space agency to be based in Canberra as it criticises a "profoundly counterproductive" bidding war between the states and territories.
Opposition science and innovation spokesman Kim Carr envisages an agency based in the ACT with "nodes" across the country.
"That does not mean that we will have launch facilities in Fyshwick," Senator Carr told an international space conference on Friday, referring to a semi-industrial suburb just kilometres from Parliament House.
"We want the states to maintain their efforts, but this is a nation-building undertaking with profound international implications."
Senator Carr backed space expert Malcolm Davies, who also wants the agency in Canberra, and this week strongly criticised the states for fighting over its location and associated jobs.
"The agency's task is much greater," Senator Carr said.
"It is nothing less than the establishment of a new Australian space industry, and to lead the nation's transition into the fourth industrial revolution."
Dr Davis said the agency was meant to create the conditions for the private sector to flourish, rather than be a political football for the states to scrap over.
Even still, Senator Carr expects federal governments will play a lead role - alongside the agency and industry - by crafting space policy and regulations and determining resources.
He wants the new agency to leverage off universities, research institutes and government departments.
"All of this must be done without asset-stripping existing agencies like the CSIRO," he said.
Senator Carr predicts a long lead time between initial investment in the agency and the eventual pay-off, warning people not to expect to turn a quick dollar.
The agency is due to begin operations on July 1.
