EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
AIRSERVICES AUSTRALIA
STATEMENT OF EXPECTATIONS 2017-2019
Statement of Expectations – Airservices Australia
Outline
The Statement of Expectations (SOE) was issued by the Government 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 the Board of 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 22 May 2017 to 30 June 2019.
Airservices is expected to comply with relevant legislation and to keep the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, and the Secretary of the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development (the Department) informed of Airservices’ actions in relation to this SOE, and events and issues that impact on Airservices’ operations.
The Statement emphasises the need for Airservices, in conducting its roles, to support key aviation initiatives including in relation to air traffic and aviation and rescue fire fighting services, aviation environment, safety and capability building in the Asia-Pacific region and the management of Australia’s International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) responsibilities.
The SOE also outlines the Government’s expectations in relation to the way Airservices conducts its functions and the need for consultation and engagement with the community, industry and 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The SOE commences on 22 May 2017 and expires at the end of 30 June 2019 as if it had been repealed by another SOE.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 to the Airservices Board. It also outlines that this SOE replaces the previous SOE, and will commence on 22 May 2017 and cease having effect from 30 June 2019.
Section 2: Governance
This section outlines the responsibilities of the Airservices Board and confirms that in performing its functions the safety of air navigation is the most important consideration. It also confirms the Government expectation that Airservices acts in accordance with the Air Services Act 1995 (the Act), the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 and any other relevant legislation.
This section includes the expectation that Airservices operates in a manner consistent with the standards expected of a highly professional public sector organisation with high standards of accountability and transparency. The section also includes the expectation that Airservices will operate as a world leading air traffic control and aviation rescue and fire fighting services (ARFFS).
Section 3: Key Aviation Activities
This section outlines the Government’s expectations that Airservices in performing its functions has regard to a number of key aviation initiatives.
Paragraph (a) – Accelerate Program
This paragraph sets out the expectation that Airservices complete the safe and effective implementation of its recent organisational change program, known as the Accelerate Program (noting the Program is schedule for completion on 30 June 2017) and undertake a post implementation review of the Program by 30 December 2017.
Paragraph (b) – Continue to Implement a New Air Traffic System
This paragraph sets out the expectation that Airservices progress implementation of a new national traffic system under the OneSKY project including Government endorsed harmonisation initiatives with the Department of Defence (Defence).
Paragraph (c) – Cooperation with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA)
This paragraph sets out the expectation that Airservices cooperate fully with CASA in their safety regulatory oversight of the OneSKY project.
Paragraph (d) – Controlled Airspace
This item sets out the expectation that Airservices work with the Department, CASA and Defence in providing advice on options for enhancing the level of safety and efficiency of Australian controlled airspace, including at major regional airports.
Paragraph (e) – Implement Aviation Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFFS) Policy
This paragraph sets out the expectation that Airservices work with the Department and CASA in the implementation of the agreed recommendations arising out of the ARFFS regulatory policy review.
Paragraph (f) – Modernising Airspace Protection
This paragraph sets out the expectation that Airservices work with the Department and CASA in modernising airspace protection policy.
Paragraph (g) – Implement the Government’s Environmental Initiatives
This paragraph sets out the expectation that Airservices assist in implementing the Government’s environmental initiatives including the independent Aircraft Noise Ombudsman, the Noise Complaints and Information Service, the Sydney Airport Long Term Operating Plan, environmental contamination issues, an annual environment work program, and the wider use of space based navigation approaches such as Required Navigation Performance.
Paragraph (h) – International Engagement
This paragraph sets out the expectation that Airservices continue to support the Government’s safety and capability building initiatives in the Asia-Pacific region and the Memorandum of Understanding, regarding the management of Australia’s International Civil Aviation Organization responsibilities.
Section 4: Stakeholder Engagement
This section outlines the Government’s expectation that Airservices in performing its functions has regard to effective and timely stakeholder engagement.
Paragraph (a) – Engagement and Communication with Industry
This paragraph sets out the expectation that Airservices undertakes effective and ongoing engagement with the community, industry and Government on the development and implementation of significant changes by Airservices to air traffic services and ARFFS.
Paragraph (b) – Provide Assistance to Other Government Agencies
This paragraph sets out the expectation that Airservices engages constructively in processes where it can to provide information, assistance or advice for policy formulation, implementation and regulation undertaken by Government agencies.
Paragraph (c) – Contribute and Participate in Airport Planning
This paragraph sets out the expectation that Airservices will 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 (d) – Communications with the Minister and Secretary of the Department
This paragraph sets out the expectation that Airservices will keep the Minister and the Secretary of the Department informed of their actions, and promptly advise about any events or issues that may impact on Airservices’ operations.
Paragraph (e) – Portfolio Arrangements
This paragraph sets out the expectation that Airservices continues to work closely with the Department, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, CASA and Defence to deliver integrated and comprehensive safety advice to the Government, aviation industry and community.