Kerry O'Brien (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Transport) Share this | Hansard source

My question is to Senator Ian Campbell, representing the Minister for Transport and Regional Services. I refer the minister to the decision by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority on 25 November to suspend the air operator’s certificate of the Lockhart River tragedy airline, Transair, meaning that all its flights are grounded effective yesterday, 27 November, for five days. I also refer the minister to Senator Abetz’s answer on his behalf on 6 November this year with regard to CASA’s scrutiny of Transair, when he said:

The director of aviation safety has assured himself that there is no imminent threat which would prevent Transair flights continuing at this time.

Will the minister now identify the ‘serious and imminent’ risk to air safety which is noted in the suspension notice? Why were such risks not identified until after 6 November, and can the minister also give an assurance that the Civil Aviation Safety Authority will apply to the Federal Court to ensure that the airline remains grounded?