The review was instigated in response to Senate References Committee criticisms that the ATSB investigation of the Norfolk Island accident did not comply with the requirements of ICAO Annex 13 or the ATSB’s written standards. The review is also intended as part of the ATSB response to Inquiry recommendations concerning the adequacy of the ATSB’s investigation policies, procedures and training.
I find it hard to believe that the Canadian TSB would commence any form of analysis without an 'in depth' examination of the Australian registered difference to Annexe 13 and take note of how the spirit and intent of the ICAO tenet has been divorced and a new mistress, the MoU been installed. Of course the new regime has forced a difference to Annex 19 to be registered. It's all legal of course, tricky, but....legal.
A study of the TSB web site, their past investigations and their AIP (re Annexe 13) reveals an open, honest crew working well within a system which is not only ICAO compliant, but effective. Somehow the notion that they would be 'hood winked' or 'blinkered' by narrow terms of reference just doesn't seem to be on the square. They have both an international and domestic reputation to protect; are, by nature a proud, independent bunch who seem to take real 'safety' seriously. The language in "the report" may well be diplomatic, but the observations will be made. The real worry is that those words can be transmogrified into another 'soft white paper' response by those with less integrity and much to hide. On the plus side of the ledger, whatever is finally produced still has to pass through the doughty defence of Fawcett, Xenophon and the rest; who will not (IMO) be taking too many prisoners.
If Truss is fair dinkum, he will publish the entire report for the people who paid for it to read and draw their own conclusions. Expect the worst, hope for the best and believe the Canadian TSB will never cross to the dark side.
May the force be with you.