Axiom & Ulm
If my memory serves me correctly licences, be they drivers, firearms, liquor or whatever, are issued by the nominated authority on the proviso that the holder meets certain standards of fitness and suitability. If these standards are not met or maintained then the issuing authority has an obligation in public interests to withdraw that privilege.
CAR 269 inter-alia allows CASA to vary, suspend or cancel a licence, certificate or authority if satisfied that the holder;
has contravened a provision of the act,
fails to satisfy a prescribed requirement,
failed his/her duty in safe navigation of aircraft,
is not a fit or proper person to have the responsibilities etc., of such licence, or
has contravened a direction or instruction pertaining to safe navigation.
Before taking such action CASA must give notice to the holder and require him/her to show cause why the variation, suspension or cancellation should not take place.
I suggest that if the holder has, say, a medical condition that won’t improve then CASA would be justified in effecting a life suspension regardless of the outcome of any court hearing in relation to other matters. This is supposition on my part because I do not know what the details are relating to the specific incident.
A licence is a privilege, not a right, so what is all the fuss about?