Warren Truss (Wide Bay, National Party, Leader of the Nationals) Share this | Hansard source

In summing up, may I thank those members who contributed to this debate on the Civil Aviation Amendment (CASA Board) Bill 2014. Their contributions have been wide ranging, dealing with a whole spectrum of aviation issues: noise, regulatory arrangements and issues associated with CASA and the way in which the industry has managed, and other related concerns. Obviously we are very proud in this country that we have an aviation industry that is safe by world standards and safe by comparison with other modes of travel. Indeed, I was interested to read statistics this morning showing that aviation now has a safety record matching that of rail. The number of casualties arising from the aviation industry means that it is something like 30 times safer to travel by plane than it is to travel on the road. That is a tribute to those associated with the industry, and it has to be acknowledged that the regulator also plays a key role in our achieving that objective.

However, there are, as was evidenced from the debate today and yesterday, a range of concerns about the operations of the regulatory system in Australia. We are therefore conducting a safety regulatory review with an international panel, and I anticipate that, arising from that review, significant reforms will be under consideration. The panel is due to report to the government by the end of May 2014. Once the government has considered the report it will finalise an updated strategic direction for CASA, which will enhance the authority's role as Australia's independent aviation safety regulator.

The shadow minister reported a little on the history of civil aviation regulation during the time he was the minister. As usual, he looked at it through somewhat rose-coloured glasses. But I am sure that even he must acknowledge that there is widespread concern in the industry about the way our regulatory system is working, the difficulties in managing and dealing with the new rules that are currently being developed and the widespread acceptance that there needs to be a simplification in the way in which we administer safety issues in the aviation industry. Also, there needs to be a substantial improvement in the relationship between the regulator and the industry. There needs to be confidence on both sides and also a willingness to work together to achieve a satisfactory outcome.

So, I thank all members who have participated in the debate, and also the opposition, for their willingness to support the legislation. The bill represents one of a number of initiatives being implemented by the coalition government to strengthen the nation's independent aviation safety regulatory agency, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

The bill maintains the existing CASA board structure but provides for the appointment of two additional board members. It has been a relatively small board and, therefore, the absence amongst the current board members of anyone with substantial aviation experience is obviously an issue. The current board obviously contains very capable people, but I think aviation experience is one of the skills that should be guaranteed in the board of CASA. The government will use the bill's provisions to add beneficial aviation experience to strengthen the board's future operations. Having an expanded board is timely given the government has established this external safety review that is being undertaken by a small panel of leading international aviation experts. I compliment that panel on the way in which it is seeking to consult with industry, taking on board their views and developing constructive ideas that I hope will provide us with a path ahead that will be acceptable to industry and continue to deliver effectively the safety objectives that the organisation is designed to ensure. The expanded board will be well placed to oversee CASA's new strategic direction, which the government will issue, as provided for under section 12A of the Civil Aviation Act 1988. The new strategic direction for CASA will reinforce safety as CASA's primary responsibility, but it also will set out a more active leadership and review role for the board.

In summary, enhancing the CASA board is an important step in helping fulfil this government's commitment to a safe, competitive and sustainable Australian aviation industry. I again thank members for their contribution to the debate and commend the bill to the House.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

Ordered that this bill be reported to the House without amendment.

See this speech in context