Bruce Buchanan was in the Australian today with very similar comments to what the minister has said. The thrust is that he believes the 1500 hour minimum is a cynical ploy to keep pilot wages high. In doing so he exposes what should be obvious, that the Jetstar cadetship is all about lowering barriers to entry and keeping downward pressure on pilot pay and conditions.
Having exposed his motivation behind pushing for low hour cadetships, he fails to mention that the recommendation for a minimum of 1500 hours was made by an independent panel of senators.
Arguments will continue but what we need is a truly independent regulator whose staff have sufficient experience to see through self interest on both sides. Not staff who would prefer to be working for the companies they regulate. Yes I am pushing for higher pay for key CASA positions, indeed some selective poaching from the airlines into CASA would be a good thing. Having people who can see through the spin and have industry experience is key.