Additional comments. Sen. N. Xenophon.
1.12 Firstly, I believe relationship between CASA's Bankstown Office (responsible for the oversight of Pel-Air and run at the time in an acting capacity by the author of the "Chambers Report") and Pel-Air's management in terms of probity, transparency and impartiality deserves further scrutiny.
1.13 Secondly, I believe it would have been beneficial to publicly examine whether the "demonstrably safety-related" actions taken by CASA against the pilot by CASA were appropriate, reasonable and consistent with other such enforcement. I believe these two issues deserve further consideration.
1.19 It is also important to note the committee's discussion of the ATSB's Canley Vale report. This incident (also a medical flight) tragically resulted in the deaths of both the pilot and the nurse onboard. The ATSB's response to this accident was similar to its report into the Pel-Air ditching. The ATSB also made it very clear in its report that it did not consider CASA's failure to oversee the operator appropriately as relevant. The validity of that view is, I believe, a direct parallel to that exposed by this inquiry for the Pel-Air ditching and equally alarming.
1.22 Ultimately, this inquiry has exposed serious and significant flaws in Australia's aviation safety systems. The general industry attitude towards both the ATSB and CASA is incredibly concerning; it is a mixture of fear, suspicion, disappointment and derision.
1.23 It is my view that CASA, under Mr McCormick, has become a regulatory bully that appears to take any action available to ensure its own shortcomings are not made public. This poses great risks to aviation safety, and the safety of the travelling public. Equally, the ATSB—which should fearlessly expose any shortcomings on the part of CASA and other organisations to improve aviation safety—has become institutionally timid and appears to lack the strength to perform its role adequately. Both agencies require a complete overhaul, and I believe it is only luck that their ineptness has not resulted in further deaths so far. There is an urgent need for an Inspector-General of Aviation Safety, entirely independent of the Minister and his department, to be a watchdog for these agencies.
Well, seems I'm not a lone voice – at least one Senator has managed to cotton onto the mess and although his language is 'politically robust' the warning is, in no uncertain terms, being spelled out. Perhaps those that disagree should send the Senator a "report" explaining exactly where, when and how he and the supporting members got it all so dreadfully wrong. The 'report' could be published on Pprune and CC'd to the members of the committee, the press, and the many thousands of readers here on Pprune who agree with most of the 176 page report.
Algie, sunshine, – the trick is, I put up an argument, you disagree; in a civilised society it's called debate. Now then; anytime you wish to debate the issues – here I stand, ready to be proven wrong. But the results of cheap shots from the sideline could be best seen on the news the other night. The Story featured a 13 y.o. girl being escorted from the football ground, publicly humiliated and nationally identified as one happy to scream invective from the sidelines, but just not quite brave enough to face the man on the paddock – sad comment, good lesson.
Next:-I could take issue with the notion of one Inspector General though, it may be 'operationally expedient' in the short term, but as a long term fix – discuss?
Sunny "If that is the case, where is your evidence and is it in writing with date time place and names and witnesses?".
Be assured, it was where it needed to be when it was required, no hot air in there mate, solid, documented and 'in camera'. There is more for when the time is right: rely on it.
Sunny "It is goign to be far easier to help CASA and ATSB make some changes then to try and change things by starting a civil war between industry and regulator."
I believe many of the problems stem from the industry needing to 'go along to get along'. I believe the time for a sweet and 'reasonable' approach will come, but just not yet. When 'things' are sorted out and we return to where either authority may be relied on, trusted and begins to act in concert with the law, the industry and within the bounds of common decency, then I will be the first to pay compliments, assist and put a metaphorical shoulder to the wheel. Not just yet though; but soon – I hope.