I would love to be able to agree with you venus. Unfortunately I see government astronomy funding going the way of other scientific research and development funding. (Along with other "enriching" funding) Sacrificed for more politically expedient and socially dehumanizing funding.
Over the past 10 - 15 years the Australian scientific community has had numerous opportunities to be part of the big picture in an enourmous number of emerging astronomical and space orientated projects. Unfortunately "we" have lost our visionary ways. Who launched the third satellite a where is that country in the space community now.
Sorry for the rant but it gets my back right up.
More positive feed back please and prove me wrong.