CASA’s struggle to survive

Recent devastating bushfires in South Australia certainly meant plenty of work for aerial firefighters, but was clearly catastrophic for the farmers who lost tens of thousands of acres of ripe crop only days away from harvest. The tragedy of lost lives and lost homes was piled on top of the economic loss.

Western Australia saw a return to an average wheat crop, but not before a dry finish impacted the quality of grain coming off and consequently, reduced returns to farmers. However, the benefit of this crop – the first successful crop for several years in WA – will go some way to reducing the toll it has been taking in terms of mental health and suicides over recent years. The work being undertaken by the Regional Men’s Health Network – a previous participant in AAAA’s WA State Conference – to support farmers and other businesspeople is simply world leading and should be funded nationally.

The Northern Territory’s annual seasonal challenges continue, characterised by the dry and hopefully the soon-to-arrive wet, as does the work by AAAA to better engage with the mustering industry. 2016 will see AAAA safety courses offered in the Territory, timed to fit the best window for mustering operators as well as fixed-wing members. At least beef prices are higher now to partially compensate for the devastating impact of the live cattle trade ban on both agricultural and aviation companies.

Victoria and Tasmania have had a mixed bag as far as seasonal outcomes go, with Victoria just finishing a patchy wheat, barley and canola harvest. The lean year for aerial applicators has reflected that result. Tasmania continues to suffer from previous government decisions and timber industry failures that have both contributed to reduced aerial application activity.

Now, as ever, all farming eyes remain on the skies to determine if there will be enough rain for a summer cropping season. The closer to Christmas without significant rain, the less likely the chances of the soil profile holding enough moisture to sustain summer crops ranging from cotton to sorghum. As always across the holiday period, Australia’s aerial firefighting teams are ready to protect and serve the community.

Through all of these challenges the spirit of the aviation industry to continuously improve – to be leaner, safer and better each year – shines through. The same spirit is yet to shine through for government in 2016.

The recent announcement of a CASA restructure should lead to considerable savings as well as improved performance and is a welcome – if overdue – step.

However, the establishment of a Part 61 Taskforce is not, in itself, an action. A similar announcement was made in late 2014 and a meeting was actually held with industry participation. But it did not even make a dent in the monolithic impact of Part 61 on the industry over the last 12 months. The lack of clear pathways to continue training, the complexity of renewals and operator proficiency checks and the massive cost increases for industry seem irrelevant to CASA.

CAO 48. 1 has been deferred another 12 months, but it should be abolished and CASA should start again in a partnership with industry to produce better rules for all.

As always, the evidence of good intent is only recognisable through actions, not mere words. Exemptions are actions. Changes to regulations are actions. A meeting to discuss – again – what the problems are is not an action. It is just more process. CASA continues to confuse being busy with being effective.

The outlook for major reform of CASA never looked better than it did in the second half of 2015 – a strong independent report largely supported by Government, a new CASA Board, a new Director of Air Safety saying all the right things and now a major restructure.

The future of CASA is clearly in CASA’s hands – but if it can’t act urgently to lift itself out of the mire then even more drastic action by the Minister may be required in 2016 – an election year.

The evidence of good intent is only recognisable through actions.