Senator the Hon Kim Carr, Australian Government Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research and the Hon Dr Wayne Mapp, New Zealand Minister for Research, Science and Technology both attended the 2010 International SKA Forum, held on 15 June in Assen in the Netherlands. The Government of Western Australia was represented by the Hon Helen Morton, Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer; Commerce; Science and Innovation.
The Forum is an important showcase for the SKA project and an opportunity for scientists, industry representatives and policy makers to discuss implementation of the SKA in all its aspects. This year the theme was SKA Beyond Astronomy.
Among a list of distinguished presenters, Senator Carr, along with Professor Brian Boyle, CSIRO SKA Director, presented a compelling case for locating the SKA in Australia and New Zealand.
In the 
presentation, Professor Boyle detailed how the optimal radio quietness of the Australia-New Zealand site, combined with the capacity to provide an optimal SKA configuration, would lead to ‘Maximum Discovery’ from the SKA.
He explained that maximising the scientific discovery potential of the SKA would also bring the greatest benefits ‘beyond astronomy’ - such as technology developments, green energy innovations, opportunities for industry and attracting young people to careers in science.
The presentation also described how the extensive optic-fibre network and existing astronomy infrastructure in Australia and New Zealand would help ensure the most cost-effective SKA.
The Australian-New Zealand bid has strong government backing. The partner governments have committed more than $300 million to developing infrastructure and capability to support the SKA project – including radio astronomy facilities, additional fibre-optic links and a new initiative on green-energy for the SKA.
Four short video files of material from the Australia-New Zealand presentation are available from the links below:
Australia and New Zealand’s advantages (10.2MB)
Optimal Radio Quiet (4.40MB)
Optimal Configuration (7.47MB)
Maximum Discovery (8.92MB)