Perhaps the Senator could ask why QF has reached the point it is currently at while supposedly under the watchful eye of a robust Regulator (with a capital 'R')? CASA employees now working within the QF group, another good question? Why doesn't the Senator perhaps ask for a microscopic analysis of every audit, special audit, investigation, surveillance activity undertaken, approval given over the past 7 years for starters, to ensure that due process has always taken place? Not that anything is being insinuated here, it would be done within the context of Senator Xenaphon wishing to assure himself that worlds best practice from the Regulator has always been adopted ? After all a robust Regulator underpins the basis of safety within Australian skies does it not ?
Maybe the Board could even outline their role as to what they actually do that contributes to an enhanced safe Australian skies? Perhaps evidence can be submitted to prove that all CASA inspectors (the overarching word being inspectors) have all undergone safety management systems training that is equal to or exceeds the requirement of operators? Perhaps CASA can table all internal training records, processes, proceduresand training programs undertaken internally over the past 5 years, not just the last 6 months? The Senator needs to be sure that the current regulatory system meets or exceeds worlds best practice methods doesn't he? The good Senator should ask for a cent by cent analysis on what and how much CASA has spent on projects and consultants and provide evidence of what was undertaken, if it was completed, what the outcomes were and where deficiencies were found after spending wads of money, how were those deficiencies corrected, by what means? What about a forensic analysis of every trip internationally to conventions, workshops, seminars, how much was spent and what systems were introduced into CASA as a result of such trips abroad? What about staff remuneration- why are bonuses paid to people who work as regulators? Is CASA an independent regulator or a business venture? How much are these bonuses, who receives them and based on what criteria ? Simple questions. And what about taking a look at the books to analyze who has worked in any capacity as a consultant for CASA that has also worked for them on a salary at some stage? Just to ensure that no ex employee has gained financially by either fully owning, partly owning or working for a consultancy hired by CASA after the person has been a salaried officer a year or so earlier, just to be on the safe side really and again to ensure that all checks and balances are followed in line with correct governance processes?
Anyway, these are mere thoughts that I have, thoughts that may be also on Senator Xenaphons mind, then again, maybe not? If anything I have had the opportunity to indulge in some standard bureaucratic dialogue (of which most can be found in CASA corporate statements and other such fluffed up puff pieces)..
Last edited by gobbledock; 26th Aug 2011 at 21:51.