In a recent media release, the Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government announced that he introduced two Bills into the Parliament to strengthen Australia’s two prime aviation safety agencies, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and the Australian Transport Safety (ATSB). Click here to read the media release.
Significantly, the Government seeks to create (or recreate for CASA) a small board to provide high level direction and oversight for the independent safety regulator. It also plans to establish the ATSB as a separate independent statutory agency, with a full time and two part time Commissioners.
Many may recall that CASA previously was an agency (like many others) with a Board. In my opinion, the Board was generally effective in providing stability, governance and discipline for the organization.
The process of presenting papers to the CASA Board and getting a new concept or initiative approved by the Board was at times demanding, but in my experience, and with hindsight, I believe that it was invaluable. The process ensured that all issues were covered, all risks identified, all dependencies considered, and most importantly, it was consistent with the corporate aim and strategies. It provided a discipline in a system where discipline is important.
Whilst the CASA Boards under three Chairpersons all had different “personalities”, and consisted of different people, they were largely effective because the members were reasonably independent thinkers; as much as one can be in a relatively small Australian industry. This is a very important consideration. If the Parliament, the public and the industry expect independence from CASA and the ATSB, the CASA Board members and the ATSB Commissioners must also reflect that independent intention.
CASA and the ATSB are established to ensure the safety of the Australian system of civil aviation. They are there to be the impartial and knowledgeable regulator and investigator to protect those who know nothing about aviation.
My advice is that the process of appointing people to Government Boards and Advisory Panels is not clearly defined. I think that it should be a transparent process, regardless of the Agency concerned. In the society of the 21 st century, a tap on the shoulder to a mate is not considered to be good enough!
Finally, whilst I am a strident advocate of consultation with all stakeholders, I believe that this concept should not automatically translate to Board or Commissioner Positions. In other words, those with a perceived large stake in the aviation industry may not be the best first choice or, only choice for independent Board positions.
The reality is that CASA and the ASTB are not businesses and Board positions must not be decided using a private sector corporate model.
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