RECOMMENDATIONS OF SENATE INQUIRY

APPOINT an Antarctic ambassador to oversee diplomatic activities and promote Australia’s interests in Antarctica internationally.

CONSIDER ways in which it can further strengthen its search and rescue planning processes.

PREPARE a plan to upgrade and modernise Australia’s Antarctic research stations.

DEVELOP a business and strategic case for yearround aviation in the Antarctic.

EXPLORE further opportunities to ensure that the RV Investigator is able to operate at its full capacity.

EXAMINE options for the co-location of relevant institutions in the proposed Macquarie Point Antarctic Precinct, including the relocation of CSIRO, CCAMLR, the Tasmanian Polar Network, part of the Bureau of Meteorology, and components of the Australian Antarctic Division.

CONSIDER mechanisms by which the Antarctic Climate and Ecosystems Cooperative Research Centre can continue its operations in collaborative Antarctic science beyond June 2019.

WORK with the Tasmanian Government and local government to outline the key Antarctic priorities under the Hobart City Deal, including a broad-funding agreement and project timeline, particularly with reference to the Macquarie Point Antarctic Precinct.

CREATE an Office of Antarctic Services to oversee the promotion of Australia, and in particular Hobart, as an Antarctic gateway and hub to international Antarctic programs.

WORK with other nations’ Antarctic programs that have or seek to have a presence in Hobart to ensure that their requirements are met through the provision of relevant infrastructure and services.

PROVIDE assistance to TasPorts to improve the viability of the proposal to use a fuel barge to bring fuel from Self’s Port to the port of Hobart.