Statement of Expectations for the Civil Aviation Safety Authority from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2025

Overview

The Statement of Expectations for the Civil Aviation Safety Authority from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2025 is issued under section 12A of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, by the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, The Hon. Catherine King MP. This Act, enacted in 1988, governs the regulation of civil aviation in Australia, and the Statement of Expectations aims to guide the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) in its strategic direction and operational performance over the specified period. The policy objective outlined in the Statement is to ensure that CASA’s activities support government policy, with a particular emphasis on maintaining aviation safety as the highest priority. CASA is also expected to comply with relevant legislation and maintain transparent communication with the Minister and the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.

Scope and Application

The Statement of Expectations (SoE) for the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2025, issued under section 12A of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, applies directly to CASA as an entity. The SoE outlines the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government's expectations regarding CASA's governance, strategic direction, key initiatives, and stakeholder engagement. The document sets forth the Minister's views on how CASA should conduct its functions to align with government policy and international obligations, particularly those associated with the International Civil Aviation Organization. CASA is required to respond with a Statement of Intent within three months of the SoE's issuance. This Statement of Expectations is a legislative instrument under the Legislation Act 2003 and is not subject to disallowance as provided for in section 10 of the Legislation (Exemptions and Other Matters) Regulation 2015. As such, a Statement of Compatibility with Human Rights is not necessary under section 9 of the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011.

Key Provisions

The Statement of Expectations (SoE) issued under section 12A of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 provides a detailed outline of the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government's expectations of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2025. This notice, addressed to the Board of CASA, is designed to guide the strategic direction and operational performance of CASA, ensuring alignment with government policy and international obligations, with a strong emphasis on maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety. The SoE replaces the previous document issued on 13 January 2022 and expects CASA to respond with a Statement of Intent within three months of its issuance. The SoE imposes several obligations on CASA. Firstly, it requires CASA to operate with a clear focus on safety, ensuring that air navigation safety remains the most important consideration. CASA must comply with all relevant legislation and use its resources effectively and properly. The conduct and values of CASA's Board and staff should reflect those of the Australian Public Service, maintaining high ethical standards and integrity. CASA is also expected to uphold Australia's international obligations, particularly those related to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Additionally, CASA must ensure transparency and keep both the Minister and the Department informed about significant developments and operations that could impact its activities. The Board is tasked with regularly assessing its own skills and managing conflicts of interest appropriately. CASA must also engage effectively with stakeholders to deliver optimal safety advice to the government, the aviation sector, and the broader community. Failure to meet the expectations outlined in the SoE may have several consequences. While the specific legal penalties for non-compliance are not detailed in the SoE itself, it is important to note that CASA, as a regulatory body, operates within a framework that could include both civil and criminal penalties for significant breaches of aviation safety regulations. These could range from fines and sanctions to more severe penalties, depending on the nature and impact of the breach. CASA's operations are also subject to oversight and review by Parliamentary Committees and other accountability mechanisms, which could lead to further scrutiny and potential repercussions for failure to meet the Minister's expectations. Additionally, any significant non-compliance with international aviation safety standards could result in reputational damage and impact Australia's standing in global aviation forums.