The following information was distributed by the Minister at the time and has also been sent to me – note who was consulted.
CIVIL AVIATION AMENDMENT BILL 2019 OUTLINE The purpose of the Bill is to amend the Civil Aviation Act 1988 (CA Act) to ensure the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), in developing and promulgating aviation safety standards, takes into consideration the impacts of costs and the relative risk environment of the different aviation industry sectors. The Bill incorporates existing regulatory practice into legislation. The Bill does not alter Section 9A(1) of the CA Act, which instructs that in exercising its powers and performing its functions, CASA must regard the safety of air navigation as the most important consideration. In making this amendment, the Government reaffirms that safety remains the primary consideration for CASA in exercising its powers and performing its functions. Consultation was undertaken with the General Aviation Advisory Group, the Australian Airports Association, the Board of Airline Representatives Australia, Qantas and Virgin between November and December 2018. No concerns were raised regarding the intent of the changes. Financial impact statement The Bill is not expected to have significant financial impact.
It seems strange as Qantas supported the Barnaby Joyce Change. To remind everyone, here is the proposed wording. Why would anyone be against this wording?
Proposed Amendments to Civil Aviation Act
9A Performance of functions
(1) In exercising its powers and performing its functions, CASA must seek to achieve the highest level of safety in air navigation that is consistent with:
(a) maintaining an efficient and sustainable Australian aviation industry, including a viable general aviation and training sector
(b) the need for more people to benefit from civil aviation