EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY – STATEMENT OF EXPECTATIONS
Statement of Expectations – Civil Aviation Safety Authority
Outline
The Statement of Expectations was issued by the Government as a notice of strategic direction under Section 12A of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).
Section 12A of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 provides that the Minister may notify the Board of CASA in writing of the Minister’s views on the appropriate strategic direction for CASA and the manner in which it should perform its functions.
The Statement of Expectations outlines the Minister’s expectations for the agency in regard to its operations and performance over the period 1 July 2011 to 30 June 2013.
The Statement emphasises the need for CASA to perform its functions in a manner that supports Government policy including that aviation safety remains the highest priority. CASA is also expected to comply with relevant legislation and to keep the Minister and the Secretary of the Department of Infrastructure and Transport informed of CASA’s actions and initiatives.
Other major areas covered by the Statement include CASA’s role in the National Aviation White Paper initiatives, stakeholder engagement and workforce planning.
The Statement 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.
Details of the Statement of Expectations are set out in the Attachment.
CASA was consulted in finalising the Statement.
Notices issued under section 12A of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 are a legislative instrument for the purposes of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003.
The Statement of Expectations commences on 1 July 2011 and expires on 30 June 2013.
Authority: Section 12A of the Civil Aviation Act 1988.
ATTACHMENT
Details of the Statement of Expectations
Item 1 – Stakeholder Engagement
This item requires CASA to undertake effective and appropriate stakeholder engagement with the community, industry and Government including continuing to strengthen industry awareness of its safety obligations and the provision of relevant education programs.
Item 2 – Government Policy
This item requires CASA to ensure that its activities are aligned with all relevant Government policies, with the highest priority afforded to aviation safety.
Item 3 – Implementing Relevant White Paper Initiatives
The Government outlined a number of air traffic management and other airspace initiatives in the National Aviation Policy White Paper. Effective implementation of a number of these initiatives requires a good working relationship between CASA and the Department, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, Airservices Australia and the Department of Defence.
Item 4 – Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) Memorandum of Understanding
This item emphasises the importance of CASA continuing to adhere to the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding with the ATSB and provide advice to the Minister about significant issues arising from the regular Executive meetings held between the Director of Aviation Safety and the Chief Commissioner.
Item 5 –Portfolio Relationships
This item requires CASA to continue to work closely with the Department and other Australian Government agencies, including the ATSB and Airservices Australia to deliver integrated and comprehensive safety regulatory advice to Government and industry.
Item 6 – Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreements
This item aims to ensure that CASA continues to pursue the establishment of appropriate mutual recognition arrangements including appropriate Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreements.
Item 7 – Asia Pacific Aviation Safety Assistance
This item refers to CASA’s continued support for the Government’s aviation safety agenda in the Asia/Pacific region including initiatives such as the Indonesian Transport Safety Assistance Package.
Item 8 – International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) responsibilities
The item refers to CASA’s commitment to the Memorandum of Understanding between CASA, the Department and Airservices Australia regarding the management of Australia’s ICAO responsibilities.
Item 9 – State Safety Program
This item refers to CASA’s continued support to the maintenance of Australia’s State Safety Program, an ICAO initiative.
Item 10 – Public Sector Professionalism and Accountability
This item aims to ensure that CASA operates in a manner consistent with the standards expected of a highly professional public sector organisation with a strong culture of accountability and transparency.