MEDIA RELEASE The Hon John Anderson MP Deputy Prime Minister Minister for Transport and Regional Services Leader of the National Party 18 November 2002 A140/2002

CASA REFORM Far reaching reforms to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) announced today will strengthen its accountability, improve consultation with industry and temper its ability to act as "judge, jury and executioner", while maintaining its powers to take appropriate safety action. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Transport and Regional Services, John Anderson, said aviation safety and compliance will be improved in the capital cities and regional areas under the reforms. The reforms, proposed to come into effect from 1 July 2003, include: The CASA Board will be abolished and the Director of Aviation Safety will be designated as the Chief Executive Officer; The Minister will be given powers to set policy directions and performance standards for CASA, but will remain at arms length from day to day safety regulatory decisions; The Minister will also be given powers to establish consultation mechanisms for industry and stakeholders; Measures will be introduced to reform CASA's enforcement processes, including granting a stay of suspension and cancellation decisions not involving an immediate risk to air safety, and the introduction of a demerit points system for minor breaches of the regulations; and An air standards advisory body will be formally established to complete the reform of the aviation safety regulations. "The review of the structure and reporting arrangements for CASA was a key element of the aviation reform agenda that we announced in February this year," Mr Anderson said. "I am pleased the Government has agreed to a series of bold measures ensuring CASA remains a robust, independent safety regulator but at the same time sees its accountability to Government and standing with industry strengthened. "Under the new enforcement regime, CASA will retain the power to ground an operator where there is an imminent risk to safety but it will be required to have its decision confirmed by the Federal Court after five days. "Where a decision is taken to vary, suspend or cancel an aviation approval and a review is sought, an automatic stay of the decision will be granted. "This will mean that no operator will be put out of business as they wait for a court or tribunal to determine whether CASA acted appropriately. At the same time, aviation safety standards will be maintained by giving CASA the express power to immediately suspend an aviation permission, such as an Air Operators' Certificate, where there is an imminent safety risk. "The formal establishment of an air standards advisory body will build on the outstanding work that Mr Bruce Byron has done in making sure that the views of the industry are taken into account when new air safety regulations are made. This body will play an integral part in the completion of the regulatory reform program, providing a strong and effective line of communication between CASA and the aviation industry. "Australia has an enviable record when it comes to aviation safety and this is due, in part, to a culture that recognises the need for safety awareness. "These reforms will only improve and strengthen CASA's ability to regulate our skies effectively and boost the travelling public's faith in our aviation industry." "I would like to extend my gratitude to CASA's Chairman, Mr Ted Anson, for completing the CASA review, and also to the other board members for the service they have given." Media Contacts Paul Chamberlin ( Deputy Prime Minister's office ) 02 6277 7680 / 0419 233 989  ?   URL: http://www.ministers.dotars.gov.au/ja/releases/2002/november/A140_2002.htm