EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
AIRSERVICES AUSTRALIA
STATEMENT OF EXPECTATIONS 2021-23
Statement of Expectations – Airservices Australia
Outline
The Statement of Expectations (SOE) was issued by the Minister as a notice under section 17 of the Air Services Act 1995 (the Act) to Airservices Australia (Airservices).
Section 17 of the Act provides that the Minister may notify Airservices in writing of the Minister’s views on the appropriate strategic direction for Airservices and the manner in which it should perform its functions.
This SOE outlines the Minister’s expectations for Airservices in regard to its operations and performance over the period 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2023.
Airservices is expected to comply with relevant legislation and to keep the Minister and the Secretary of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications (the Department), informed of Airservices’ actions in relation to this SOE, and events and issues that impact on Airservices’ operations.
The SOE includes sections on Airservices’ governance, key initiatives and stakeholder engagement.
The SOE outlines the Minister’s expectations in relation to the way Airservices conducts its functions and the need for consultation and engagement with the community, industry and Australian Government agencies.
Details of the SOE are set out in the Attachment.
Airservices was consulted in finalising the SOE.
Notices issued under section 17 of the Act are a legislative instrument for the purposes of the Legislation Act 2003.
The SOE commences on 1 July 2021 and expires at the end of 30 June 2023 as if it had been repealed by another SOE.
Authority: Section 17 of the Air Services Act 1995.
ATTACHMENT
Details of the Statement of Expectations
Section 1: Overview
This section outlines the legislative framework and purpose for issuing the Statement of Expectations (SOE) to Airservices. It confirms the Minister's expectation that Airservices acts in accordance with the Air Services Act 1995 (the Act), the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013, as well as other relevant legislation.
Section 2: Governance
The section includes the expectation that the Board and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will continue to operate Airservices as a world-leading Air Traffic Control and Aviation Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (ARFFS) provider.
This section includes the expectation that the Board will ensure that Airservices has sufficient resources to effectively meet its stated strategic directions, risks and corporate functions.
This section includes the expectation that the Airservices’ CEO is responsible for the management of Airservices operations, its organisational capacity and its functions.
This section outlines the expectation that the Board will keep the Minister and the Secretary of the Department informed of Airservices’ actions in relation to the expectations of the SOE, advising quickly of developments that may impact Airservices’ operations, including through quarterly reports against the Corporate Plan and SOE.
This section sets out the expectation for Airservices to perform its functions consistent with Australia’s international obligations where appropriate, including the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Section 3: Key Initiatives
This section outlines the expectation that Airservices, in performing its functions, has regard to a number of key aviation initiatives.
Paragraph (a) – Civil-Military Air Traffic Management
This paragraph sets out the expectation that Airservices will progress the timely, on-budget and effective implementation of the OneSKY Australia Program and the Civil Military Air Traffic Management System (CMATS). The OneSKY program is a partnership between Airservices and the Department of Defence, replacing existing air traffic management systems with an advanced integrated system known as the CMATS. Airservices is expected to provide early advice to the Minister about any risks to delivery or changes to the OneSKY program schedule.
Paragraph (b) – Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) Implementation
This paragraph sets out the expectation that Airservices will work closely with the Department and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to ensure the safe integration of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) into Australian airspace. This includes supporting the development and progression of initiatives outlined in the National Emerging Aviation Technologies (NEAT) Policy Statement and may include supporting trials that further the Government’s policy objectives.
Paragraph (c) – Flight Information Management System (FIMS)
This paragraph sets out the expectation that Airservices will develop and implement a flight information management system (FIMS) that complements the Government’s broader approach to this sector. This is a central component of future Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM), ensuring the safety of all airspace users through integration of new users such as drones and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). The FIMS is to be developed and implemented consistent with the Government’s decisions and policy related to UTM architecture.
Paragraph (d) – Modernising Airspace Management
This paragraph sets out the expectation that Airservices will work with the Department and CASA in progressing Australia’s airspace policy, consistent with the Australian Airspace Policy Statement 2018 which came into effect on 25 September 2018. This includes enhancing the safety and efficiency of Australian controlled airspace, and providing adequate resources to manage airspace planning and design for Western Sydney Airport (WSA) to facilitate the scheduled opening of WSA in 2026.
Paragraph (e) – Implement the Government’s Environmental Initiatives
This paragraph sets out the expectation that Airservices will assist in implementing the Government’s environmental initiatives including minimising the impact of aircraft operations on communities, supporting the Aircraft Noise Ombudsman and Noise Complaints and Information Service, the Sydney Airport Long Term Operating Plan, taking action on per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances and reporting on Airservices’ own initiatives.
Paragraph (f) – Implement Aviation Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFFS) Policy
This paragraph sets out the expectation that Airservices will work with the Department and CASA on implementing the Government’s ARFFS Policy, in particular the measures arising from the 2016 ARFFS Regulatory Policy Review.
Paragraph (g) – Addressing the recommendations identified as part of the Broderick Review
This paragraph sets out the expectation for Airservices to commence an independent review of Airservices’ implementation and governance relating to the recommendations highlighted in the Broderick Review, by June 2022.
Paragraph (h) – Business Plan, ‘One Airservices’ and managing COVID-19 financial impacts
This paragraph sets out the expectation for Airservices to ensure the appropriate steps are taken in minimising the financial impacts of COVID-19 and in accordance with the ‘One Airservices’ Business Plan.
Section 4: Stakeholder Engagement
This section outlines the expectations of Airservices when engaging with stakeholders.
Paragraph (a) – Stakeholder Engagement Approach
This paragraph sets out the expectation that Airservices, in performing its functions, continues to have regard to effective and timely stakeholder engagement.
Paragraph (b) – Engagement and Communication with Industry
This paragraph sets out the expectation that Airservices continues to undertake effective and ongoing engagement with community, industry and Government on the development and implementation of significant changes by Airservices to air traffic services and ARFFS.
Paragraph (c) – Provide Assistance to Other Government Agencies
This paragraph sets out the expectation that Airservices continues to engage constructively in processes where it can to provide information, assistance or advice for policy formulation, implementation and regulation undertaken by Government agencies.
Paragraph (d) – Contribute and Participate in Airport Planning
This paragraph sets out the expectation that Airservices continues to contribute to a coordinated approach to airport planning and participate in planning coordination forums, community aviation consultation groups and the National Airports Safeguarding Advisory Group.
Paragraph (e) – Portfolio Arrangements
This paragraph sets out the expectation that Airservices continues to work closely with the Department and other Government agencies, including the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, CASA and Defence to deliver integrated and comprehensive advice to the Government, the aviation industry and the community.