NEW CASA Boss.....is.......

[bonez]

FINANCIAL REVIEW 29Oct2003


BYRON TO HEAD CASA

Author: Jason Koutsoukis
Publication: AFR (p7, 29-10-2003)
Section: News
Keywords: "CASA (9)","Civil Aviation Safety Authority (1)","Virgin Blue (1)"

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Federal Transport Minister John Anderson is set to announce the appointment of Bruce Byron as Australia's new chief aviation regulator.

Mr Byron, who is the head of safety systems at Virgin Blue, will become chief executive of the restructured Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Under changes announced last year, the federal government made CASA a statutory authority reporting directly to the minister for transport, not an independent board.

Mr Byron, a former RAAF officer who received a Member of the Order of Australia medal in 1984 for services to the air force as a flying instructor, is a widely respected figure in aviation industry circles.

He is a former executive general manager of Kendell Airlines (now part of the Regional Express group), and has an intimate knowledge of CASA and its internal culture.

Mr Byron sat on the CASA board for two years from 1997, and is a former head of CASA's board safety committee.

In 2000 Mr Anderson appointed Mr Byron chairman of the Aviation Safety Forum, a high-level industry consultative group designed to provide strategic advice to CASA.

Last year Mr Anderson appointed Mr Byron as a special adviser to CASA on regulatory reform.

At the time, Mr Anderson described Mr Byron as a leading aviation industry figure. ``Mr Byron is well respected in the industry, and has wide experience in many facets of aviation,'' Mr Anderson said.

Mr Byron's predecessor Mick Toller ended his five-year tenure at CASA on August 8, one year ahead of the expiry of his contract.

Mr Anderson had previously signalled that under the new CASA structure he was looking for a person with extensive executive management experience.

Under the changes to CASA announced last year, operational control will rest with the chief executive, with tighter control of the organisation given to Mr Anderson.





http://www.newsclip.newscentre.com.au/dotrs/031029/p025/0310291281.html

[Creampuff]

I must say I didn’t think Mr Byron had the necessary – how shall I put this – malleability, to take on the impossible task of reconciling the Minister’s short term political interests with the long term interests of aviation safety and compliance with the law.

Should be a very interesting show.

[gaunty]

Good choice.

We look forward to working with Bruce and going forward, here is an opportunity to go past the baggage of the past :rolleyes: :ok:

The settings are right, the framework is pretty much up, now we just have to fill in the gaps.

Let's get on with it with goodwill all round.

And a mighty thanks to Bruce Gemmell for his difficult role in the recent weeks with the hope that we will have the benefit of his experience.:ok:

[Rich-Fine-Green]

Good Choice for the Industry.

Although I echo CPs comment; I thought Mr A would choose a different personality for the job. I eat my words!.

Any release on the Deputy?.

Rob Collins is the current 'acting' Dep.

[EPIRB]

I can remember when he was an examiner of airmen. He had the respect of everyone. Good to see someone like him get the slot.

[bonez]

MEDIA RELEASE

The Hon John Anderson MP
Deputy Prime Minister
Minister for Transport and Regional Services
Leader of The Nationals

30 October 2003
A132/2003

New CEO for Civil Aviation Safety Authority

International aviation safety management specialist, Bruce Byron AM, has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer and Director of Aviation Safety for the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).

Announcing the decision, the Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Minister for Transport and Regional Services, John Anderson, said Mr Byron would bring a wealth of experience to the challenging role of CEO of CASA.

“Mr Byron is highly regarded throughout the aviation sector for his vision and commitment to safe skies,” Mr Anderson said. “He has made significant contributions to the development of Australian aviation in military, government and industry roles.”

Mr Byron is a qualified pilot, instructor and examiner. He has been an aviation trainer, commanded the RAAF Central Flying School, worked with the former Bureau of Air Safety Investigation and was a flight examiner with the former Department of Aviation. In industry roles he has supervised resource company jet operations, managed the operations of a large Australian airline and developed safety management systems for three airlines. He is currently the Chairman of the Aviation Safety Forum, an industry group providing strategic advice to CASA.

“I believe Mr Byron will drive the Government’s aviation reform agenda forward, lead CASA’s change and progress, and ensure Australia’s aviation safety regulator is world class.”

The Civil Aviation Amendment Act 2003, recently passed through Parliament, is a key feature of the Government’s reform agenda. The Act provides for:

the abolition of the CASA Board and appointment of a new CEO and Director of Aviation Safety;
a greater role for the Minister in setting policy directions and performance standards for CASA; and
the Minister to establish consultation machinery for industry and stakeholders.
As Director of Aviation Safety, Mr Byron will retain independence in his responsibility for managing CASA’s regulatory function.

Mr Byron will take up his appointment as CEO on 1 December 2003. This will allow him to conclude his current commitments.

Mr Anderson thanked Mr Bruce Gemmell, the outgoing acting Director of Aviation Safety, the CASA Board and the former Director of Aviation Safety, Mick Toller, for their contribution and the instrumental role they have played in bringing CASA to its current position under the reform agenda.


Media contact
Paul Chamberlin 02 62777680 / 0419 233989

http://www.casa.gov.au/hotopics/other/03-10-30and.htm

[ExcessData]

VIRGIN BLUE WELCOMES THE APPOINTMENT OF NEW CASA CEO

Virgin Blue has welcomed the news that Bruce Byron will take on the role of Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).

Mr Byron is well known and respected in the industry and will take up the new position with CASA after spending the past year with Virgin Blue as the Head of Safety Systems.

Virgin Blue Chief Executive, Brett Godfrey, said “We think Bruce’s appointment is a reflection on his excellent work on safety with various airlines, including Virgin Blue and we wish him all the very best in his new role.

He added, “We will miss having him around the office but the safety management systems that he has designed and implemented are world class. Not only have they assisted us during a tremendous growth period for the airline, but they will ensure that Virgin Blue maintains the highest standards well after his departure.”

Virgin Blue is currently going through the final stages of selecting a suitable replacement to fill this position.

[Torres]

"Rob Collins is the current 'acting' Dep."

Acting? Shakespeare, Houdini or Disney?

:*

[DEAD ZONE]

Lets hope he has more B***S than stuttering Toller who was as useful as a blowfly in a tornado!

[Roller Merlin]

An excellent choice. Bruce has the experience and contacts needed to be effective across the political streams. A straight-up good bloke too.

RM