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Pip Spence has been reappointed chief executive of CASA for another two-year term.
Spence, who has held the position for five years, will be joined by Greg Hughes as a new appointment to the board of the aviation safety regulator. It comes as the federal government pledges more than $65 million to CASA over the next four years.
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“Ms Spence is a highly experienced executive and board member with deep knowledge of the aviation industry and has been CASA’s CEO and Director of Aviation Safety since 2021 – the first woman to hold this position,” said Transport Minister Catherine King.
“In this time, Ms Spence has strengthened CASA’s organisational capability, improved service responsiveness and relationships across government, industry and international partners, and fostered a culture of accountability.
“Re-appointed for two more years, her experience and ongoing commitment to transparent, risk-aware, and data-driven regulatory decision-making will ensure CASA has the strong leadership it needs to continue progressing significant reforms.”
According to Minister King, Hughes, who has been appointed for a three-year term, “brings decades of senior leadership experience in the aviation and transport sectors, with expertise in operations, governance, and strategic oversight across complex and safety-critical environments”.
“Mr Hughes has a comprehensive understanding of aviation safety standards, regulatory compliance, and navigating complex stakeholder environments,” she said.
“His experience aligns strongly with CASA’s mandate to promote a collaborative safety culture and maintain rigorous safety oversight.”
“I look forward to working with Ms Spence, Mr Hughes and the rest of CASA’s board and executive to ensure Australian aviation remains among the safest in the world.”
This week’s federal budget earmarked $66.5 million over four years from 2026–27 to “support the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to continue its critical safety and regulatory functions”.
“[This] will be partially offset by the modernisation of its charging arrangements following consultation, with existing fees and charges to be streamlined to improve administration and reflect regulatory costs, [and] annual VH aircraft registrations to be introduced to improve regulatory compliance and safety outcomes,” the budget papers say.
The funds are part of a $731.1 million package over four years from 2026–27 (and $9.8 million per year ongoing) to “support aviation priorities”.
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