Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss last week handed the CASA board a Statement of Expectations (SOE) covering the next two years.
The letter, dated 14 April, is a formal and public statement of what the Federal Government expects from CASA in terms of operations and performance.
"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," the accompanying 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 informed of CASA’s actions and initiatives.
"The SOE outlines the Government’s expectations in relation to the way CASA conducts its functions and the need for consultation with the community, industry and Government agencies."
Among the expectations is that CASA will be guided by the key aviation safety principles in the government's response to the Forsyth Report, will effectively engage and collaborate with the aviation industry and to consider the economic cost of regulation.
What the Goverment Expects
That the board will ensure CASA meets its obligations under various legislation.
That the highest priority is given to aviation safety.
That CASA operate as a world-leader in aviation safety regulation, backed by a skilled and capable workforce.
That CASA provides the department with a plan on how they intend to implements the accepted recommendations of the Forsyth Report
That CASA provides a workforce plan for maintaining and developing staff, including opportunities for staff exchanges with industry.
That CASA works closely with the ATSB on information sharing.
That CASA implements the goverment's policies on airspace.
That CASA works with the department on a long-term fundng strategy.
That CASA co-operates with the department, the ATSB, Airservices Australia and the Department of Defence to provide safety regulation advice.
That CASA continues to pursue mutual recognition arrangements with international regulators and assists with Australia's ICAO obligations.
That CASA operates to high standards of professionalism with a strong culture of accountability and transparency.
That CASA effectively engages and collaborates with the aviation industry based on a foundation of mutual understanding and respect.
That CASA considers cost of regulation on people and businesses within the aviation industry.
With the SOE now delivered, it is up to the CASA board and Director of Aviation Safety, Mark Skidmore, to deliver on the expectations.
In his April Briefing, Skidmore said the implementation plan for the Forsyth recommendations was in its final stages, and would be embedded in the CASA corporate plan for the next three years.
"By doing this CASA’s goals will be clearly and publicly stated and our performance in reaching these goals will be reported to the Government, the aviation community and the general community," he said.
"In other words, we are being open and honest with everyone in our commitment to deliver on the Government’s response to the review."
The full SOE is available on the ComLaw website.