EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
STATEMENT OF EXPECTATIONS 2015-2017
Statement of Expectations – Civil Aviation Safety Authority
Outline
The Statement of Expectations (SOE) 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.
This SOE outlines the Minister’s expectations for the agency in regard to its operations and performance over the period 16 April 2015 to 30 June 2017.
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 and Regional Development informed of CASA’s actions and initiatives.
Other major areas covered by the Statement include the implementation of the Government’s response to the Aviation Safety Regulation Review Report (the Report), international engagement and workforce planning.
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 the day after registration.
Authority: Section 12A of the Civil Aviation Act 1988.
ATTACHMENT
Details of the Statement of Expectations
Items 1-3 – CASA Board
This section (items 1-3) confirms the Government’s expectations of the CASA Board, which includes performing its functions under section 53 of the Act; setting, steering and overseeing CASA’s strategic direction; ensuring CASA acts in accordance with the legislation, particularly the new requirements of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013; and is guided by the aviation safety principles set out in the tabling statement to the Government’s response to the Report.
Item 4 - Aviation Safety
This item sets out the expectation that CASA to ensure that the highest priority is given to aviation safety.
Item 5 – World Leading Regulator
This item sets out the expectation that CASA operate as a world leading aviation safety regulator, backed by a workforce with the requisite skills and capabilities.
Item 6 – Government Response to the Aviation Safety Regulation Review
This item sets out the expectation that CASA will provide the Government with an implementation plan detailing how CASA will implement the Government’s response to all of the CASA-related recommendations in the Report in an effective and timely manner. The implementation plan should cover the following issues:
- assistance with the development of a strategic Australian State Safety Program;
- interaction, coordination and cooperation arrangements with the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB);
- service delivery;
- regulatory and enforcement policies, including ‘just culture’ principles;
- aviation safety regulatory reform supported by appropriately developed safety cases and industry consultation; and
- revision of particular policies, proposals and procedures referred to in the Government response.
Item 7 – Workforce Plan
This item sets out the expectation that CASA prepare a workforce plan, to be annually updated, which will outline CASA’s strategies for managing and developing its workforce over the next four years covering future recruitment, training and skills requirements and opportunities for staff exchanges with industry.
Item 8 – Information Sharing with the ATSB
This item sets out the expectation that CASA work closely with the ATSB to ensure continued arrangements are in place, consistent with the current Safety Information Policy Statement and informed by ‘just culture’ principles, for the appropriate sharing and use of safety information by CASA and the ATSB.
Item 9 – Airspace Policy
This item sets out the expectation that CASA implement the Government’s policy objectives as set out in the Australian Airspace Policy Statement.
Item 10 – Funding Arrangements
This item sets out the expectation that CASA work with the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development in the preparation of the next long term funding strategy for CASA to provide long term funding stability for CASA and examine opportunities for reducing the costs of regulation to the aviation industry.
Item 11 – Portfolio Arrangements
This item sets out the expectation that CASA continue to work closely with the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, Airservices Australia and the Department of Defence to deliver integrated and comprehensive safety regulatory advice to the Government, aviation industry and community.
Item 12 – International Engagement
This item sets out the expectation that CASA continue 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 and ongoing commitment to assist in the management of Australia’s International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) responsibilities.
Item 13 – Professionalism and Accountability
This item sets out the expectation that CASA operate in a manner consistent with 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.
Item 14 Engagement and Communication with Industry
This item sets out the expectation that CASA undertake effective and ongoing engagement with the aviation industry to create an effective collaborative relationship between CASA and industry based on a foundation of mutual understanding and respect.
Item 15 Regulatory Impact
This items sets out the expectation that CASA consider the economic and cost impact on individuals, businesses and the community in the development and finalisation of new or amended regulatory changes.