Misleading the Ombudsman
09/01/22
Dear Ms Spence, CEO of CASA,
In your recent correspondence to me, you stated the following: “We do treat your allegations very seriously and if you have new information or evidence to support such an allegation it is appropriate that it be provided to the Ombudsman so that it can be included in their review. Until that review is completed, it is not appropriate that we comment or interfere with the independent process in place.”
I agree that it is not appropriate that you “interfere” with the independent process in place. I do however feel that as the CEO of CASA you are compelled to ensure that truthful and factual information is provided to the investigation being conducted by the Ombudsman’s Office. Mr. Aleck in his role as the Executive Manager of Legal International and Regulatory Affairs has clearly provided untruthful advice to the Commonwealth Ombudsman’s Office. I am fully satisfied that Mr. Aleck has provided that untruthful advice in order to pervert the outcome, and to cover up his misconduct.
As the CASA Organisational Chart indicates that Mr Aleck is a direct report to you in your position as the CEO, you are the most appropriate person to write to on this matter, and to ensure that any misconception manufactured by Mr. Aleck is clarified with the Ombudsman’s Office. As you are aware I have made allegations of misfeasance in public office by Mr. Aleck, before Parliament to Senator Susan McDonald. I encourage you not to be complicit in covering up that misconduct and to take appropriate action and act with integrity commensurate with your position.
Mr Aleck has led the Ombudsman to be of the view that CASA does not and has not ever permitted multiple entities to operate under a single AOC which is blatantly not the truth.
Whilst I can only draw on the 25 years that I have been involved in the industry, throughout that entire period CASA consistently permitted this arrangement. Whilst there is an overwhelming body of evidence, can I draw your attention to this very clear demonstration that supports my assertion.
Latrobe Valley Aero Club operated under the AOC of Bairnsdale Air Charter. When Latrobe Valley Aero Club transferred from Bairnsdale Air Charter to my business APTA under the identical arrangement, CASA determined my business unlawful and closed my business down, at a personal cost to me of several million dollars, and significant “fallout” to employees, customers, and other businesses.
My assumption is that Mr Aleck will continue to propagate falsehoods to protect his position. I appreciate that you are relatively new to the position, and it is not reasonable to expect you to be a Subject Matter Expert on this particular topic. May I suggest that you establish contact with Flight Operations Inspector, Mr Naomichi Nishizawa. In his position he was overseeing both Bairnsdale Air Charter and my organisation and could be considered a Subject Matter Expert on this particular topic. He would be able to bring clarity to the matter. Mr Nishizawa has a well established reputation in the industry achieved after many years as a CASA employee demonstrating the very highest levels of integrity and professionalism.
Can I ask that you confirm to me that you will clarify the truthful situation with the Ombudsman Office or if you choose to support Mr. Alecks assertion, so that I can consider what action I should take.
I apologise for involving you in this matter, although I am sure you appreciate the substantive nature of my allegations.
Respectfully, Glen Buckley