Sunny - Pray for an FAA downgrade, then perhaps someone might listen.
Careful what you wish for: a FAA downgrade would very seriously affect the country. We need to get this sorted "in house" before the FAA lob in. If and that's another big IF we can, hand on heart, show the FAA and ICAO that we have identified the problem, dealt with the problem; and, yes although we are in the recovery phase, we are doing well, developing world status may be avoided.
Do we need to even address the perceived problems?; absolute no brainer.
Do we have the people to effect the change?– Yes, we do. There are some first class people available to an honest regulator. Please note, they are not pot plants, or units or even resources; but people who can, will and know how do the right thing. I'd bet a choccy frog that at least 50% of current ATSB and CASA frontline folk and 75% percent of ex staff are champing at the bit for a chance to do what they signed on for.
Do we have the horsepower to change the existing system?. Yes, we do, lots of; existing in law - right here, right now.
Do we have the financial resources available? – Yes, we do. Given proper, sensible management the CASA budget could probably be at least stabilised. (Interesting side bar there, compare AUD spent in relation to fleet size against similar and see what you get.)
Do we have the political integrity to admit there is a deep problem?; if there is not then "they" are going to have to find some, somewhere. The consequences of one more fatal or even near fatal, a mid air or any other "Heaven forbid", even a scandal could stop the show. The smart Government would need to be seen to be acting before an event, rather than after.
There simply is too much evidence and now they have been made aware of a very small part through the bizarre comedy of Norfolk, they cannot with any safely ignore the problems which will not, indeed cannot go away.
Too heavy for a weekend, tomorrow if you are all very good, we may continue the Grim Fairy Tales. Gods willing and weather permitting.
Selah.