Election Policies
I have read the policies of both the major parties.
I see no mention of General Aviation.
This country needs to develop life away from the major cities and that in turn requires general aviation. We need to have not only pilots but airports, maintenance workshops, fuelling facilities, engineers and aviation apprentices. I see nothing that has any connection with those items. The only time that politicians have any concern about GA is at election time. If they are unable to get air charter in the country to go and kiss babies and chase votes then they turn around and say 'Oh, why didn't someone tell us about this before now'?
That is what we have been telling them for many years !
The inland country needs to be developed and towns flourish instead of dying. General aviation is the key to that. We need to train pilots who will know more than the words Boeing or Airbus. Pilots who will be able to fly charter, the RFDS, survey, Air Ag, community flights, fly fire bombers, fly station aircraft and using light aircraft for they were designed for. Communication. and many more roles that are not just seeking an airline position. For all that we need a government that takes into consideration the needs of GA and the facilities that GA requires.
CASA has effectively costed and regulated small flying schools and aero clubs out of existence. We have lost that ground swell of youngsters who want to fly and fly for not only the airlines. Fences and ASICS do not help youngsters develop an interest in aviation.
The RAAF recognises this and now has started its own flying interest organisation with their Diamond DA40 aircraft to generate enthusiasm that they hope will lead to youngsters signing up to be RAAF aircrew. Imagine if there is a squadron of F-35s but no aircrew to fly them.
Good for the ADF & RAAF but in the main that does not help the major issue. GA.
The lack of interest and incentives from both parties. We need more words from the likes of Bob Katter and Gordon Rich-Phillips in the corridors of the Federal Government barracking for General Aviation. People who can see that we need to have more attention placed on developing GA instead of letting it wither on the vine.
When you place your vote do consider the lack of interest from both parties towards general Aviation. Be prepared to go toe to toe with the head how to vote person at your poling booth and tell him/her in uncertain what you think about the lack of interest in General Aviation and how that will influence your vote.
Do it!