Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester has issued the Civil Aviation Safety Authority with a new Statement of Expectations (SOE).
The SOE, dated 21 March, outlines all the actions and responsibilities that the government of the day expects CASA to carry out between the period 27 March 2017 and 30 June 2019.
"The SOE emphasises the need for CASA to perform its functions in a manner that supports Government policy, including that aviation safety remains the highest priority," an attached explanatory statement says. "CASA is also expected to comply with relevant legislation and to keep the Minister and the Secretary of the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development (the Department) informed of CASA’s actions and initiatives."
“This Statement sets out in an open and formal way some important parameters for CASA's regulatory approach, including implementing its regulatory philosophy,” Chester said when releasing the SOE.
“CASA has an extremely important role to play in maintaining Australia's enviable safety record, having regard to risk; CASA must also take into account the economic and cost impact on the aviation industry.
“A pragmatic, practical and proportional approach to regulatory activity is intended to help support aviation growth in this country, particularly in the general aviation sector.”
Some of the expectations outlined in the SOE include:
- The CASA board and DAS work together to enable CASA to be an effective regulator
- The CASA board to facilitate "effective interaction" with the aviation community
- CASA to continue to focus on aviation safety as its priority
- CASA take a pragmatic, practical and proportional approach to regulation
- CASA implement its regulatory philosophy
- CASA implement the outstanding recommendations of the Aviation Safety Regulation Review
- CASA communicate regularly with government agencies, aviation industry and other stakeholders.
The new SOE drew complimentary comments from Regional Aviation Association CEO Mike Higgins.
“It is an excellent starting point for future engagement with CASA at all levels," Higgins said. "It reinforces and builds on the great work already undertaken by CASA's acting CEO Shane Carmody."
“I've also asked CASA to focus effort on enhancing the level of controlled airspace, including at major regional airports,” Chester added.
“I look forward to CASA making strong progress against this Statement and encourage the aviation industry to provide co-operative input to the important work that will be progressed over the next few years.”
2017 CASA Statement of Expectations