EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
STATEMENT OF EXPECTATIONS 2013-2015
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 2013 to 30 June 2015.
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 relation to aviation regulatory policy initiatives, stakeholder engagement, workforce planning and information sharing.
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 2013 and expires on 30 June 2015.
Authority: Section 12A of the Civil Aviation Act 1988.
ATTACHMENT
Details of the Statement of Expectations
Item 1 – Aviation Safety
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 2 – 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 3 – Policy Initiatives
This item requires CASA, in conjunction with the Department of Infrastructure and Transport, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, Airservices Australia and the Department of Defence, as appropriate, to continue to implement the Government’s aviation policy and program initiatives.
Item 4 – Funding Arrangements
This item requires CASA to work with the Department of Infrastructure and Transport in the preparation of the next long term funding strategy for CASA. This examination will include looking at opportunities for reducing the cost of regulation on regional and general aviation.
Item 5 – Memorandum of Understanding with Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB)
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 6 –Information Sharing
This item requires CASA to progress safety-related information sharing arrangements with the ATSB, as a means of reducing aviation-related risks, and in a manner that is transparent to industry and consistent with a strong reporting culture.
Item 7 – Portfolio Arrangements
This item requires CASA to continue to work closely with the Department of Infrastructure and Transport, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, Airservices Australia and the Department of Defence to deliver integrated and comprehensive safety regulatory advice to Government and industry.
Item 8 – International Engagement
This item aims to ensure that CASA continues to pursue the establishment of appropriate mutual recognition arrangements. In addition it encourages 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, and ongoing commitment to assist in the management of Australia’s International Civil Aviation Organization (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 – 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.