Statement of Expectations for the Commission of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau for the period 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2019

Overview

The Statement of Expectations for the Commission of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau for the Period 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2019 was enacted by Darren Chester, the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport. This instrument was designed to serve as a formal and public notice of the Government's strategic direction for the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) during the specified period. It was introduced to outline the Government’s expectations regarding the ATSB's operations, performance, and key initiatives, thereby ensuring the agency remains focused on transport safety as its highest priority, continues to provide timely advice to Government, and maintains high standards of professionalism and transparency. The instrument also sets out specific expectations for the ATSB in terms of stakeholder engagement and the delivery of core functions, aiming to foster a collaborative relationship with industry and government agencies to enhance transport safety both domestically and internationally.

Scope and Application

The Statement of Expectations for the Commission of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau for the period 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2019 applies to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) and sets out the Government's expectations for its operations and performance during this period. It outlines the strategic direction of the ATSB under the Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003 and requires the ATSB to act in accordance with relevant legislation, including the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013. The ATSB is expected to maintain high standards of professionalism, service, probity, reporting, accountability and transparency, and to provide timely advice to the Government when investigation costs are likely to exceed budget levels. The ATSB must focus on transport safety, prioritise investigations with the best safety outcomes, and remain an active participant in the transport policy and regulatory framework while retaining operational independence. The ATSB is also expected to be a global leader in transport safety investigation, research and analysis, and to foster public awareness of transport safety. Additionally, the ATSB must engage effectively with industry, communicate regularly with relevant Government agencies and stakeholders, and work closely with other agencies to deliver comprehensive safety advice. This Statement of Expectations is a Commonwealth instrument and does not contain any stated exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds. However, the ATSB may be subject to other legislative requirements and obligations that are not specifically mentioned in this instrument.

Key Provisions

The Statement of Expectations (SOE) for the Commission of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) sets out the strategic direction and expectations for the ATSB for the period 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2019. This SOE is a formal and public document that outlines the Government's expectations concerning the operations and performance of the ATSB (section 12AE of the Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003). It serves as a notice of the Government's expectations regarding the ATSB's functions, governance, and key initiatives. The ATSB is expected to act in accordance with the Act, the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act), and other relevant legislation. The ATSB should maintain high standards of professionalism, service, probity, reporting, accountability, and transparency, consistent with the provisions of the PGPA Act and adhere to the Australian Public Service Values and Code of Conduct (section 2). In performing its functions, the ATSB must provide timely advice to Government when the costs of necessary investigation activities are likely to exceed established budget levels, so that appropriate consideration can be given to the need for budget supplementation. In terms of delivering its functions, the ATSB is expected to continue to focus on transport safety as the highest priority and give priority to transport safety investigations that have the potential to deliver the best safety outcomes for the travelling public (section 3(a) and 3(b)). The ATSB must retain operational independence while remaining an active and effective participant in the transport policy and regulatory framework, working effectively with the Department, other Government agencies, and the transport industry. The ATSB should continue to be a global leader in transport safety investigation, research, and analysis, and foster public awareness of transport safety. The ATSB is also expected to continue to review current investigation policies and practices to ensure that the ATSB retains its reputation as a best practice safety investigation agency and its influence on the national and international safety agenda. The ATSB is expected to have regard to the following key transport initiatives: implementing effective workforce planning, including ensuring that the ATSB's recruitment and training strategies provide the agency with the skills and expertise to meet the current and emerging challenges in transport safety investigation; providing assistance to accident investigations in other countries, consistent with international protocols; supporting the Government's transport safety agenda in the Asia/Pacific region; using safety data to identify areas that will most improve safety and continuing to undertake appropriately scoped research activities; working closely with maritime, rail, and aviation regulators to ensure that arrangements are in place for the appropriate sharing and use of safety information by the ATSB and the regulator, and that these arrangements are transparent to industry and consistent with a strong reporting culture; and working with Commonwealth, State, and international agencies to seek out opportunities to collaborate and maximise the availability of investigative resources across the transport modes (section 4). In performing its functions, the ATSB is expected to undertake effective and ongoing engagement with industry to create a collaborative relationship between ATSB and industry based on a foundation of mutual understanding and respect (section 5(a)). The ATSB must communicate regularly with relevant Government agencies, industry, and other key stakeholders regarding the ATSB's activities and function (section 5(b)). The ATSB must keep the Secretary of the Department and the Minister informed of ATSB's actions in relation to the matters stated in this SOE and promptly advise about any events or issues that may impact on the operations of the ATSB, including through the provision of timely quarterly progress reports from the Commission against the Corporate Plan (section 5(c) and 5(d)). The ATSB must also work closely with the Department and other Government agencies as appropriate, including CASA, Airservices, the Department of Defence, AMSA, and ONRSR, to deliver integrated and comprehensive safety advice to the Government, the industry, and the community (section 5(d)). The SOE does not explicitly outline offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences for breach. However, the ATSB is expected to act in accordance with the Act, the PGPA Act, and other relevant legislation. Any failure to comply with these requirements could result in civil or criminal consequences, depending on the nature and severity of the breach. The maximum penalties for offences under the Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003 and the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 may apply, depending on the specific provisions breached.