Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack announced a new leadership team for the Civil Aviation Safety Authority on Saturday.
Experienced government administrator Pip Spence will take on the role of CASA CEO and Director of Aviation Safety (DAS), whilst Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin AC (Retd) will join the board as Chair from August.
“These appointments are a critical part of shaping the make-up of the CASA Board and the culture of the organisation more broadly,” McCormack said.
“The depth and breadth of experience that Ms Spence and Air Chief Marshal Binskin bring to bear show the Government is serious about ensuring CASA performs its critical role effectively.
“Their combined skills and experience will be essential for leading this critical regulator in keeping Australians safe while flying, as well as supporting an efficient, effective and reliable aviation industry – which is economically crucial for communities right across the nation."
Spence held the role of Deputy Secretary at Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development, with responsibilities that included aviation and airports, transport policy and portfolio research. Previously, Spence worked for the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, was closely involved with the NBN roll-out and served as aviation advisor to the Minister for Transport.
ACM Binksin served as Chief of the Air Force from 2008-11, then as Chief of Defence Force from 2014-2018, after which he retired from the RAAF.
Binksin began his defence career in the Royal Australian Navy as a Skyhawk pilot and was qualified on Mirages via an exchange with the air force. After the Navy disbanded its fixed-wing capability, he transferred to the RAAF full time, later serving as CO 77 SQN at Williamtown and Air Commander Australia. Binskin also held senior command positions during operations in Iraq.
Binskin is a member of the Temora Historic Flight Club and owns an O-1 Birddog and an amateur-built F-1 Rocket.
Spence is expected to assume her new role as CASA DAS in the coming weeks and Binskin will take over as Chair in August when the term of current Chair Tony Mathews expires.