Statement of Expectations for Airservices Australia for the Period 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2023

Administered by Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts

Legislation au F2021L00930 Not in force Legislative Instrument

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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The SOE commences on 1 July 2021 and expires at the end of 30 June 2023 as if it had been repealed by another SOE.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.

 

Overview

The Statement of Expectations (SOE) for Airservices Australia, issued under section 17 of the Air Services Act 1995, provides the Minister's strategic direction and performance expectations for Airservices from 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2023. This legislative instrument, issued by the Minister, outlines key areas such as governance, key initiatives, and stakeholder engagement, and is designed to ensure Airservices operates efficiently and effectively as a leading provider of air traffic control and aviation rescue and fire-fighting services. The SOE mandates compliance with relevant legislation, including the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013, and requires Airservices to keep the Minister and the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications informed on its actions and any events impacting its operations. The overarching policy objective is to enhance Airservices' operational efficiency, safety, and compliance with international standards while aligning with broader government initiatives, such as the integration of emerging aviation technologies and environmental sustainability.

Scope and Application

The Statement of Expectations issued by the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications under section 17 of the Air Services Act 1995 applies specifically to Airservices Australia, setting forth the strategic direction and operational expectations for the entity over the period from 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2023. This statement outlines the Minister's expectations concerning Airservices' governance, key initiatives, and stakeholder engagement, mandating that Airservices operates in accordance with the Air Services Act 1995, the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013, and other relevant legislation. Airservices is required to comply with these expectations, ensuring it meets its strategic directions, manages risks, and performs its functions efficiently, effectively, and in alignment with Australia's international obligations, particularly those of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The expectations also cover Airservices' role in implementing several key aviation initiatives, such as the OneSKY Australia Program, the integration of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) into Australian airspace, and the development of a Flight Information Management System (FIMS). Furthermore, the statement emphasises the importance of Airservices' ongoing engagement with stakeholders, including the community, industry, and other government agencies, to facilitate the safe, efficient, and environmentally sustainable management of Australia's airspace. The scope of the Act extends nationally, with Airservices Australia being a Commonwealth entity, thereby ensuring a cohesive approach to air traffic management and aviation safety across Australia.

Key Provisions

The Statement of Expectations (SOE) issued under section 17 of the Air Services Act 1995 (the Act) (section 1) provides Airservices Australia with strategic direction and operational expectations for the period 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2023. This SOE outlines the Minister's expectations regarding Airservices' governance, key initiatives, and stakeholder engagement, with the aim of ensuring that Airservices operates in line with relevant legislation, including the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013, and other applicable laws (section 1). In terms of governance, the Board and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Airservices are expected to ensure that the organisation effectively manages its resources and functions to remain a world-leading provider of air traffic control and aviation rescue and fire-fighting services (section 2). This includes the expectation that the Board will maintain sufficient resources to meet Airservices' strategic directions, risks, and corporate functions. The CEO is responsible for managing Airservices operations and its organisational capacity. The Board is expected to keep the Minister and the Secretary of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications informed of Airservices' actions in relation to the SOE and any developments that may impact its operations, including through quarterly reports against the Corporate Plan and SOE (section 2). Airservices is expected to perform its functions consistent with Australia's international obligations, including the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) (section 2). The SOE outlines several key initiatives that Airservices is expected to have regard to in performing its functions. These include the timely, on-budget, and effective implementation of the OneSKY Australia Program and the Civil Military Air Traffic Management System (CMATS) (section 3(a)); working 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 (section 3(b)); developing and implementing a flight information management system (FIMS) that complements the Government’s broader approach to Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) (section 3(c)); progressing Australia’s airspace policy in collaboration with the Department and CASA, including enhancing the safety and efficiency of Australian controlled airspace (section 3(d)); assisting in implementing the Government’s environmental initiatives (section 3(e)); working with the Department and CASA on implementing the Government’s Aviation Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFFS) Policy (section 3(f)); commencing an independent review of Airservices’ implementation and governance relating to the recommendations identified as part of the Broderick Review by June 2022 (section 3(g)); and ensuring the appropriate steps are taken in minimising the financial impacts of COVID-19 in accordance with the ‘One Airservices’ Business Plan (section 3(h)). Airservices is also expected to engage effectively and timely with stakeholders. This includes engaging with the community, industry, and Government on the development and implementation of significant changes to air traffic services and ARFFS (section 4(a)); providing information, assistance, or advice for policy formulation, implementation, and regulation undertaken by Government agencies (section 4(c)); contributing to a coordinated approach to airport planning and participating in planning coordination forums, community aviation consultation groups, and the National Airports Safeguarding Advisory Group (section 4(d)); and working closely with the Department and other Government agencies to deliver integrated and comprehensive advice to the Government, the aviation industry, and the community (section 4(e)). Failure to comply with the SOE could result in civil or criminal consequences, including potential penalties under the relevant legislation. However, the specific penalties are not detailed in the SOE itself. Airservices is expected to keep the Minister and the Secretary of the Department informed of its actions in relation to the SOE and any developments that may impact its operations, including through quarterly reports against the Corporate Plan and SOE.

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Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at 26 August 2026. For the latest information on Australian Government law please go to https://www.legislation.gov.au.