The real story here guys is CASA. What they are letting all operators get away with and the disregard they show to any union or person who makes a complaint. The ALAEA commenced this case 2 1/2 years ago under the good hand of our Assistant Federal Secretary Wayne Vasta. The change in CASA leadership have made no difference, they could have knocked this on the head but chose not to. From the TT episode one can't really describe the events but I will sum them here for those who have an interest.
Wayne sought under FOI, copies of all CASA audits of overseas facilities. At the same time without our knowledge, channel 7 lodged for FOI seeking details of any aircraft defect reported to CASA over a similar period. The judge combined the cases after we decided to work with Ch7 and share costs.
CASA would not release the reports essentially claiming that they are commercially sensative and if the findings were released may damage the reputation of airlines and MRO's.
2 1/2 years later and lots of dollars, the judge has ordered them to release the majority of reports sought. He also ordered CASA to pay all our costs.
From what I have seen, the CASA audit reports aren't damaging at all to the MROs and airlines. They predominantly show that CASA found nothing wrong when they went up there for a day or two here or there. We have Qantas internal reports from the same periods that recommend Engineering seriously consider the ongoing use of a facility in Sin because of a large number of adverse findings.
What we have uncovered is a regulator that needs to pull their sox up, or you could use some more crude terms if you like. Full decision and reasons here -
Vasta and Anor and Civil Aviation Safety Authority [2010] AATA 499 (6 July 2010)