A follow up from the Airservices portion of the inquiry.
From Aviation Business:
Aviation Business: Senate inquiry oversteps the mark with abuse
Senate inquiry oversteps the mark with abuse
22 Nov 2012
People sometimes wonder why politicians are held in poor regard, though there has been plenty of evidence lately to answer that question in several jurisdictions.
Earlier this week Federal Senator Bill Heffernan, chairing a Senate Committee enquiring into an ATSB report into the Pel Air accident at Norfolk Island three years ago, rained abuse on Airservices manager Jason Harfield regarding what the senator saw as an oversight on the part of Airservices.
Such an abuse of power in a civil environment might be classed as harassment.
Politicians abusing other politicians is part of their game, however it is generally accepted by the majority of senators that they do not rain personal abuse upon public servants trying to do their job.
These hearings have taken on a decidedly nasty tone, most likely fuelled by evidence provided in camera by people who may have an axe to grind with the ATSB and CASA.
It is unfortunate that senators with little knowledge of modern investigative and safety practices seem to be trying to twist information to seek out issues to attack Government bodies.
Most people in the industry with open minds and relevant experience know the issues of fuel management and weather monitoring are critical safety issues for which the pilot carries primary responsibility.
The spectacle of senators searching for motives in public servants to support accusations from malcontents does nothing to enhance people’s view of politicians.
And a quote from someone whose opinion I respect very much:
All that happened in this committee was politicians demonstrating their willingness to appear to be strong on a topic they have not researched, do not understand, and are willing to pursue as a witch hunt without determining who is at fault. Jason and Airservices did not deserve this treatment.