Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack today issued new Statements of Expectation (SOE) to both Airservices Australia and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).
An SOE for the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is expected to be issued on Monday.
The SOEs outline what the government expects from the departments to which they are issued and cover the period from 2019 to 2021.
“The Government’s Statements of Expectations for the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, Airservices Australia and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority focuses firmly on charging these globally respected agencies with maintaining the nation’s enviable safety record,” McCormack said.
According to minister, the government’s expectations focus on each agency maintaining workforce capability, engaging and communicating with industry, sharing information effectively, collaborating closely with international partners and engaging effectively with the government.
“This is all about ensuring our agencies remain world leaders by preserving and enhancing their skills, knowledge and functions over the coming term of government."
Among the aviation initiatives outlined to CASA are:
- working with the department and Airservices Australia to modernise airspace management including leading the development of a national strategic airspace plan
- working with Geoscience Australia and Airservices Australia on implementing satellite-based augmentation systems (SBAS)
- assisting the Australian Space Agency in forming a regulatory framework for high powered rockets and provide approvals and advice to ensure safe integrations into the air traffic management environment.
The minister has also once again called on CASA to finish the regulatory reform program that was first started 31 years ago.
Among the raft of expections the government has handed Airservices Australia are:
- progress the OneSKY project
- collaborate with CASA on ensuring a safe integration of drones
- modernise airspace management including the designs for Western Sydney Airport
- help the government implement environmental policies including minismising the impact of aviation on the general public and dealing with issues recommended by the Aircraft Noise Ombudsman.
CASA's SOE still emphasises the primacy of safety, but recognises the need to reduce the cost burden on the aviation industry and community.
“The Federal Liberal and Nationals Government is very conscious of the challenges faced by small business around the country and the need to remove unnecessary costs and regulatory burden,” McCormack said.
“It is important we continue to support an aviation industry that is safe, dynamic and sustainable, with a regulatory system that is responsive and proportionate to risks. The CASA Statement of Expectations reflects this balance.”
The SOEs can be downloaded from the links below.