EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
STATEMENT OF EXPECTATIONS 2019-2021
Statement of Expectations – Civil Aviation Safety Authority
Outline
The Statement of Expectations (SOE) was issued by the Australian Government as a notice 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.
This SOE outlines the Minister’s expectations for the agency in regard to its operations and performance over the period 15 July 2019 to 30 June 2021.
The SOE 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, Transport, Cities and Regional Development (the Department), informed of CASA’s actions and initiatives.
Other major areas covered by the SOE include CASA’s governance, regulatory approach, a number of aviation initiatives and its stakeholder engagement.
The SOE 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 SOE are set out in the Attachment.
CASA was consulted in finalising the SOE.
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The SOE commences on 15 July 2019 and expires at the end of 30 June 2021 as if it had been repealed by another SOE.
Authority: Section 12A of the Civil Aviation Act 1988.
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 the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Board. It also confirms the Australian Government’s expectation that CASA acts in accordance with the Civil Aviation Act 1988 (the Act), the Airspace Act 2007, the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013, as well as other relevant legislation.
This section includes the expectation that CASA operates in a manner consistent with a world-best-practice aviation safety regulator and the standards expected of a highly professional public sector organisation with a strong culture of accountability and transparency consistent with those used by the Australian Public Service.
Section 2: Governance
This section outlines the respective roles and responsibilities of the CASA Board and the Director of Aviation Safety (DAS) and the importance of these two roles continuing to work together.
It outlines that the Board is responsible for matter set out in the Act as well as CASA’s strategic direction, risk management and corporate planning.
It outlines the Government’s expectation that the Board ensures CASA progresses its strategic priorities and key aviation initiatives identified in the SOE.
It also outlines the Government’s expectation that the Board will continue to promote effective relationships between CASA and industry.
This section outlines the Government’s expectation that, subject to the Act, the DAS, as the Chief Executive Officer, is responsible for managing the operations of CASA, the development and implementation of regulations, and all day-to-day operational, financial, personnel and administrative activities.
This section outlines the Government’s expectation that the Board will keep the Minister and the Secretary of the Department informed of CASA’s actions in relation to the expectations of the SOE, including timely advice of developments that may impact CASA operations, and through quarterly reporting on the Corporate Plan and the SOE.
Section 3: Regulatory Approach
This section outlines the Government’s expectation that CASA will continue to implement its regulatory functions, including:
Paragraph (a) – Aviation Safety
This item sets out the expectation that CASA is to ensure that the highest priority is given to aviation safety.
Paragraph (b) – Regulatory Impact
This item sets out the expectation that when developing and implementing safety standards, CASA will consider the economic and cost impact on individuals, businesses and the community, as well as risks associated across different industry sectors.
Paragraph (c) – Regulatory Expectations
This item sets out the expectation that CASA will undertake a pragmatic, practical and proportionate approach to regulation across different industry sectors.
Section 4: Key Aviation Activities
This section outlines the Government’s expectations that CASA, in performing its functions, has regard to a number of key aviation initiatives.
Paragraph (a) – Air Traffic Services
This item sets out the expectation that CASA will complete the remaining Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (CASR) and ensure they are implemented and transitioned to effectively.
Paragraph (b) – Flight Operation Regulations
This item sets out the expectation that CASA will engage with industry leading up to the implementation of flight operation regulation, including issues of passenger limitations under CASR Part 135 and on development of associated regulatory and guidance material.
Paragraph (c) – Air Traffic Management Systems
This item sets out the expectation that CASA will support Airservices Australia (Airservices) in the implementation of the new civil-military air traffic management system, known as OneSKY, including timely approval and certification activities, in addition to continuing oversight of Australia’s existing air traffic management system.
Paragraph (d) – Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems and Supporting Systems
This item sets out the expectation that CASA will respond to emerging risks relating to remotely piloted aircraft systems, including introduction of a registration and accreditation scheme, and working with the Department and Airservices on an approach to the safe and efficient airspace integration of unmanned vehicles that complements the Government’s broader approach to the sector.
Paragraph (e) – Regulatory Oversight for Major Aerodrome Infrastructure Projects
This item sets out the expectation that CASA will provide regulatory oversight for major aerodrome infrastructure projects, including Western Sydney Airport and significant new runway projects, as well as providing advice on other airport development to assist the Minister meet the statutory requirements of the Airport Act 1996.
Paragraph (f) – Airspace Management
This item sets out the expectation that the CASA will work with the Department and Airservices to modernise airspace management, including, as a regulator, leading the development of a national airspace management plan.
Paragraph (g) – Satellite Based Augmentation Systems
This item sets out the expectation that CASA will implement satellite based augmentation systems in the air traffic management environment, in a safe and timely manner, and in collaboration with Geoscience Australia and Airservices.
Paragraph (h) – Space Based Systems
This item sets out the expectation that CASA will assist the Australian Space Agency in developing their regulatory framework for high powered rockets, and also provide timely advice and approval for their operation under the regulations, whilst ensuring safe integration into the existing air traffic management environment.
Paragraph (i) – Sharing Air Safety Information
This item sets out the expectation that CASA will continue to share safety information in line with the Safety Information Policy as agreed with the Australian Transport Safety Bureau.
Paragraph (j) – International Engagement
This item sets out the expectation that CASA will continue its support for the Government’s aviation safety agenda in the Asia-Pacific region and ongoing commitment to assist in the effective management of Australia’s engagement with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Paragraph (k) – Training and Recruitment
This items sets out the expectation that CASA’s training and recruitment regimes provide the required skills and expertise to meet the current and emerging challenges in aviation safety regulation.
Section 5: Stakeholder Engagement
This section outlines the Government’s expectation that CASA, in performing its functions, will continue to have regard to effective and timely stakeholder engagement.
Paragraph (a) – Engagement and Communication with Industry
This paragraph sets out the expectation that CASA will undertake effective and ongoing engagement with the aviation industry to create a collaborative relationship between CASA and industry based on a foundation of mutual understanding and respect.
Paragraph (b) – Regular Communication with Stakeholders
This paragraph sets out the expectation that CASA communicates regularly with the industry, Government agencies, and other key stakeholders in relation to its functions and activities.
Paragraph (c) – Portfolio Arrangements
This paragraph sets out the expectation that CASA will continue to work closely with the Department, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, Airservices Australia and the Department of Defence to deliver integrated and comprehensive airspace management and safety advice to the Government, aviation industry and community.