Brisbane roundtable sparks momentum for a more inclusive space sector

This week’s Queensland Space Industry Diversity Roundtable, held in Brisbane on a milestone day for the state’s space industry, brought together leaders, innovators and advocates from across the sector. Hosted by the Australian Space Diversity Alliance (ASDA) and supported by the Queensland Government, the roundtable marked an important step forward in shaping a more inclusive, accessible, and future-ready Australian space workforce.

Together, we explored how the space industry can more proactively support diversity at every level, from students and graduates to senior leadership and create the cultural and structural change needed to truly reflect the communities we serve.

“Space is about pushing boundaries, and that must include our workforce.”

A shared pledge for change

A key outcome of the day was a shared pledge by individuals and organisations to commit to building a diverse space workforce and actively making a difference. The group recognised that shifting the narrative around space and STEM, particularly for young people requires action from the entire industry, and the development of inclusive messaging from early education onwards.

Ideas under consideration

The roundtable generated a number of practical ideas now under active consideration, including:

• Creating best-practice inclusion guides tailored to the unique needs of the space sector

• Enhancing accessibility at space events, such as through sensory spaces and parenting rooms, and introducing coloured lanyards for networking (e.g. green = open to chat, orange = learning, red = observing)

• Exploring opportunities for industry-wide visibility at IAC Sydney 2025, with a strong focus on inclusion

“Inclusion needs to be proactive. Senior leadership must be willing to sit in discomfort if we want change.”

Resources Shared

Participants also exchanged valuable resources that can support further action:

• SSDLN Survey – A critical baseline of Australia’s current space workforce makeup

• Employment Assistance Fund – Provides workplace modifications or equipment for employees with a disability

• Queensland Government's Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning - committed to growing the state's space industry.

ASDA hosts, Dr Sheila Gough-Kenyon and Anntonette Dailey lead the roundtable event. We thank the Queensland Government, Denise Johnston, Executive Director, Strategic Industry Development and team for their ongoing support of the space industry and its leadership in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. This event would not have been possible without their partnership.

We’re excited to continue building momentum, and we invite the broader space community to join us in making equity in space a reality.