Statement of Expectations for the Board of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority for the Period 1 July 2013 to 30 June 2015

Overview

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority Statement of Expectations 2013-2015 was issued by the Australian Government under Section 12A of the Civil Aviation Act 1988. This legislative instrument outlines the strategic direction and performance expectations for the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) for the period between 1 July 2013 and 30 June 2015. The primary aim of this Statement is to ensure that CASA's operations align with the government's policies, with a strong emphasis on maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety. CASA is mandated to adhere to relevant legislation, maintain transparency in its actions, and ensure effective consultation with stakeholders, industry, and other government agencies. The Statement of Expectations highlights the government's policy objectives, which include the promotion of safety in civil aviation, the effective engagement with stakeholders, and the execution of aviation policy initiatives in collaboration with various agencies. CASA is also expected to work on long-term funding strategies, maintain agreements with the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, and engage in international safety programs. The Statement underscores the importance of professionalism, accountability, and transparency within CASA, ensuring it operates as a highly effective and reputable public sector organisation.

Scope and Application

The Statement of Expectations issued under section 12A of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 outlines the strategic direction and performance expectations for the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) from 1 July 2013 to 30 June 2015. This directive applies to CASA as an entity and mandates that its operations and functions align with government policies, particularly prioritising aviation safety. The Statement of Expectations also requires CASA to engage effectively with stakeholders, including the community, industry, and government agencies, and to implement aviation policy initiatives in collaboration with other relevant entities such as the Department of Infrastructure and Transport, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, Airservices Australia, and the Department of Defence. Furthermore, CASA is expected to ensure transparency and information sharing, especially in relation to safety, and to support international aviation safety initiatives and mutual recognition arrangements. The legislation also addresses funding strategies and the importance of maintaining a highly professional and accountable organisational culture within CASA.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority Statement of Expectations 2013-2015, issued under Section 12A of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, outlines the Minister's strategic direction for CASA, covering the period from 1 July 2013 to 30 June 2015. The Statement provides a framework for CASA's operations and performance, emphasising key areas such as aviation safety, stakeholder engagement, policy initiatives, funding arrangements, information sharing, portfolio arrangements, international engagement, State Safety Program, and professionalism and accountability. The key provisions require CASA to align its activities with government policies, with aviation safety as the highest priority (Items 1 and 10). CASA must also engage effectively with stakeholders, including the community, industry, and government, and provide relevant education programs to increase industry awareness of safety obligations (Item 2). CASA is required to implement government aviation policy and program initiatives in collaboration with relevant agencies (Item 3), and work with the Department of Infrastructure and Transport to prepare the next long-term funding strategy for CASA, focusing on reducing regulatory costs for regional and general aviation (Item 4). The Statement imposes several obligations on CASA. It mandates CASA to adhere to the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding with the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) and keep the Minister informed of significant issues arising from regular executive meetings (Item 5). CASA must also progress safety-related information sharing arrangements with the ATSB, ensuring transparency and a strong reporting culture (Item 6). Furthermore, CASA is expected to maintain close collaboration with other government departments and agencies to deliver integrated safety regulatory advice to government and industry (Item 7). CASA is encouraged to pursue the establishment of appropriate mutual recognition arrangements and support the government's aviation safety agenda in the Asia-Pacific region, including initiatives such as the Indonesian Transport Safety Assistance Package and the management of Australia's International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) responsibilities (Item 8). CASA is also required to support the maintenance of Australia's State Safety Program, an ICAO initiative (Item 9). The Statement does not explicitly outline specific offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences for breach. However, it is expected that CASA would be held accountable for any failure to meet the outlined expectations and obligations. Non-compliance with the Statement of Expectations may result in consequences such as scrutiny, review, or re-evaluation of CASA's performance and operations by the Minister, the Department of Infrastructure and Transport, or other relevant government bodies. Additionally, any failure to prioritise aviation safety, engage effectively with stakeholders, or implement government policy initiatives could potentially lead to reputational damage, loss of public trust, or reduced effectiveness in achieving aviation safety objectives.