Ian Campbell (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for the Environment and Heritage) Share this | Hansard source

I am sure that Senator Abetz, who was representing the Minister for Transport and Regional Services, provided the Senate with very accurate information from a brief prepared in consultation with CASA at the time. I am sure that between 6 November and 27 November things have probably changed, because I am absolutely certain that Senator Abetz’s information to the Senate at that time would have been accurate.

Transair has ceased operations today as a result of a decision by CASA to suspend their air operator’s certificate with immediate effect. CASA was recently provided with new and credible information relating to the safety of Transair’s operations, and CASA’s attempts to verify this information were resisted by Transair. That is what has happened between 6 November and 27 November, and that is why Senator Abetz was absolutely accurate then and this response, to the best of my advice, will be accurate now.

Pending further investigation, CASA has formed the view that continued operation by Transair would pose a serious and imminent risk to air safety. CASA’s decision to suspend the Transair air operator’s certificate takes immediate effect and remains in effect for five business days. CASA has five business days—that is, until Friday 1 December—to make an application to the Federal Court for an order to continue the suspension to allow for further investigation.

Until the suspension of its air operator’s certificate, Transair operated Big Sky Express services via Sydney to Inverell, Gunnedah, Grafton and Taree. Transair also operated aircraft on behalf of Aerotropics providing services to Far North Queensland. The government is concerned about the impact of the grounding of Transair on regional services in New South Wales and Queensland, and I urge the aviation industry to look at putting in place alternative arrangements. Transair is not contracted by the Australian government to provide air services to remote communities under our Remote Air Service Subsidy Scheme. Aviation safety must, as always, be the primary concern for all.