Australian scientists will soon begin work on the development of the largest and most capable radio-telescope ever made with the federal government promising almost $19 million in funding.

Science and Research Minister Chris Evans on Thursday announced a new $18.8 million research and development fund towards the international Square Kilometre Array (SKA) telescope project.

The future ... the Square Kilometre Array will be the largest and most capable radio telescope ever made and will allow scientists to see back in time. Credit:SKA Organisation/Swinburne

The SKA will provide scientists with the farthest peek into the universe and, therefore, time.

That $2 billion project will comprise 3000 dishes spanning South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, and will be funded by a consortium of 20 nations.