Tue, Nov 19 2002 5:44 AM AEDT
Govt clips the wings of air safety body
The Federal Government has announced major changes to the regulation of Australia's air services.
The Government will strengthen its control of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).
The Transport Minister, John Anderson, says he wants to end the perception that CASA acts as judge, jury and executioner when it comes to the regulation of air services.
The board of CASA will be abolished, a chief executive's position established and aviation regulation and compliance will be reformed.
Mr Anderson says CASA will continue to independently monitor air safety.
"I think it's appropriate that I take on board more of the strategic direction-setting role in relation to CASA," he said.
Under the changes, the Aviation Safety Authority will be given just five days to justify the grounding of aircraft and a demerit system will be introduced for minor air safety infringements.
Accountability
The Federal Opposition says it hopes the shake-up will make the regulator more accountable.
Labor's transport spokesman, Martin Ferguson, says the Opposition will monitor the changes to ensure they improve CASA's effectiveness.
"The minister has used [the] board to hide from his responsibilities, the abolition of the board puts the finger both on CASA, the department and the minister to become more accountable to the industry and to the travelling public," he said.
Limits
Meanwhile, Australia's aircraft owners have called for further limits to the powers of the aviation safety regulator.
Bill Hamilton, from the Aircraft Owners' and Pilots' Association. says despite the changes, there still will not be enough scrutiny of the authority.
He says CASA will continue to have a conflict of interest because it both licences and polices air safety.
"It has to go far more than abolishing a board and appointing a chief executive," he said.