SMS is being used as a way to reduce government oversight costs and liability, rather than for the purpose of improving safety - here in Canada anyway. Without effective whistleblower protections in place for ALL members of the aviation community (not just public servants), SMS may prove to be a very dangerous move. I would be interested to know more about the Australian experience, and am curiously watching what happens in the USA as the FAA has now proposed its SMS amendments. I don't think the ICAO has thought this through.