The Australian Aviation Associations Forum (TAAAF) has written to Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester calling for the government to engage with the industry to develop a National Aviation Policy.
TAAAF members met in Canberra last week, resulting in a statement that expresses disappointment in the Turnbull government's reaction to the TAAAF policy paper released in April last year, pointing out that actions taken by the government since fall well short of what the forum says is needed to revitalise a the flagging aviation industry.
"Forum participants met in Canberra last week and have again highlighted the value of Government creating a new partnership with industry, as outlined in the Forum’s 2016 aviation policy," the statement says.
"While welcoming recent wins for common sense, the Minister’s response to TAAAF policies is disappointing given the years of policy neglect of the aviation portfolio.
"Based on the Minister’s response, TAAAF members feel that he has not adequately responded to TAAAF’s 60-page policy document which was released in April 2016.
"The problems are well known. Further reviews are neither actions nor outcomes. Solutions are required. Ministerial policy leadership is essential."
Since the TAAAF policy release, the government and regulators have extended the deadline for ADS-B fitment for private IFR aircraft and the deadline for compliance to the new CAO 48.1 fatigue rules.
The communique also accused some CASA officials of undermining the reform process despite the government's stated commitment to implement the agreed recommendations of the Aviation Safety Regulation Review (ASRR), a factor that is also thought by some to have contributed to the resignation of former Director of Aviation Safety Mark Skidmore.
"The task of changing the culture within CASA continues to represent a significant challenge," the communique states. "Despite Ministerial support, a positive Board and a new Director of Aviation Safety, some CASA officials continue to undermine progress and, as a result, the ASRR Report recommendations are, at best, only partially implemented two years on.
"Industry needs Government leadership in a sector that promises significant growth and opportunity over the coming decade. We must move expeditiously to harmonise our regulatory environment with international best practice.
"Australia is an outlier among aviation nations because of our refusal to adopt ICAO models or best regulatory practice from countries such as the US, NZ or Canada. Instead, we persevere with the implementation of regulations that are unique, costly and complex."
TAAAF also reiterated calls for the minister to meet with industry representatives to develop concrete short-terms actions that will have immediate benefits for the Australian aviation industry.
TAAAF itself has recently been bolstered with new association members including the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), the Aviation Innovation Network, the Flight Test Society of Australia and Australian Certified UAV Operators, Inc.
The full TAAAF communique can be read via the link below.