CASA will implement a "just culture" approach to aviation regulation according to Director of Aviation Safety, Mark Skidmore.
A "just" culture is one where pilots and operators would not be punished for actions, omissions or decisions taken in line with their level of training or experience, but matters of gross negligence or wilful violations are not tolerated.
Adopting a just culture was one of the major recommendations of last year's Forsyth Report.
In his CASA Briefing Newsletter for February 2015, Skidmore said: "In the coming months, I will be leading CASA in the implementation of a just culture approach to aviation safety regulation in Australia. We will work to develop a regulatory and an operational environment where genuinely honest mistakes are recognised for what they are—opportunities for learning and improvement.
"CASA’s response will be to understand why the mistakes were made and how the likelihood that the same mistakes will occur in the future can be reduced. Where the people and organisations involved demonstrate a willingness and ability to address errors and omissions in a responsible and constructive way, CASA will not need to take enforcement action. Certainly no punitive action will be necessary.
"We will encourage the individuals and organisations involved to identify and understand the factors behind mistakes."
However, the new approach doesn't mean that NO action will be taken, with Skidmore pointing out that some action will need to be necessary in the interests of safety. According to Skidmore, the advantage of a just culture approach is more opportunity for everyone to learn.
"The advantage of a just culture approach is that it encourages people to be open and accountable about their mistakes, so there is a better reporting of errors and the ability to learn from them is enhanced.
"Fear of punishment doesn’t stop people from making mistakes. But mistakes can be avoided by robust safety systems, training and an overarching commitment by everyone to achieving the best possible safety outcomes."