Coalition aviation policy welcomed

The policy also includes a number of key initiatives concerning CASA. Not that long ago, Deloitte Access Economics released research on airports showing the regulatory burden on smaller airports are in the order of three times higher than that relatively for large airports. This may resonate within other aviation-related sectors and is one of the reasons why the AAA particularly welcomes the proposed high level external review of aviation safety regulation in Australia.

Not only is the structure of CASA open for review, but also how a number of agencies relate to each other and the Department of Infrastructure and Transport. Linking regulations to specific safety outcomes should be part of the day-to-day operation of any regulator. Ensuring that very powerful organs of state are balanced with independent oversight has been a tried and trusted implementation in our democracy. One only has to think of the Commonwealth Ombudsman or more closely to our industry, the Australian Noise Ombudsman. An Industry Complaints Commissioner could play a central part ensuring that bureaucracies keep adding value into the future.

A number of the key reforms of the CASA structure coupled with the safety regulation review will be welcomed by many in the industry. Smaller regional and rural airports and aerodromes are likely to benefit from a more certain and focussed regulatory environment.

Properly resourcing those agencies that have high level sight of the industry is very important. The ATSB is one such agency that is perfectly placed to note where matters must be advanced in order to ensure better safety outcomes.

Much has been said about the use of Australian airspace. Technology and methodologies have had considerable improvement over the past years, yet most of our airspace design is many years old.

Keeping the Australian aviation network as an integrated unit is critical as we all know. A relook at the Enroute Rebate Scheme – if addressed correctly – can no doubt assist individual communities to stay plugged into the Australian aviation network. Supporting regional aviation surely count as one of the best objectives that can be set.

Just as other parts of the aviation industry, airports add value far beyond their perimeter fences. As an example, the Bureau of Meteorology plans to cease a number of services in about 48 communities brought to life just how dependant not only rural and regional areas are on airports, but also how as a nation aviation has become a capability upon which many other dependencies hang. Recognising the importance of aviation and funding key areas of it adequately will help in many direct and indirect ways.

The promotion of aviation liberalisation is another very important issue. Government managing certain portions of the industry through bilaterals has had a number of unintended consequences for the industry over the past years. As our place in the region has changed the way government apply its mechanisms should change also. Bilateral agreements are a very powerful tool to ensure we have the Aviation capacity to grow.

The AAA has for some time now been active to enhance aviation skills, training and development through it Education Working Group and by way of strategic alliances such as those with the Transport and Logistics Industry Skills Council. The AAA has pointed out that millions is spent on education annually with no formal idea as to where the needs are, what the plans are or what the long term situation looks like. Government leadership in this area will be most welcome.

One of the most frustrating elements of using aviation networks must be security. Whilst travellers often complain from a nuisance point of view, at times less conversation is directed towards the operational realities, the effectiveness of the security measures and the efficiency of financial resources applied. The industry would welcome a risk based review of current security measures.

In an industry where it has been difficult at times over the past years to control cost, a fresh look at each artificial cost load and whether it is absolutely necessary to be imposed upon the travelling public and the more than hundred thousand people directly employed is very welcome.

“The industry would welcome a risk based review of current security measures.”

*This article went to print to the election.