Airservices CEO resigns
Greg Russells expenses dont stand well in light of Air Services charges having skyrocketed.
Their extortionate charges are contributing to the killing off of Australian GA - the base of the aviation pyramid.
There is no value for money. I have seen recently Australian terminal navigation charges that equate to $100 per nm.
Aviation is beng crushed and squeezed between Air Services, CASA and the corporate leeches that 'own' what is rightfully public infrastructure - our nations airports.
Their extortionate charges are contributing to the killing off of Australian GA - the base of the aviation pyramid.
There is no value for money. I have seen recently Australian terminal navigation charges that equate to $100 per nm.
Aviation is beng crushed and squeezed between Air Services, CASA and the corporate leeches that 'own' what is rightfully public infrastructure - our nations airports.
Last edited by ramble on; 21st May 2012 at 16:48.
Thread Starter
Sunday Telegraph claims AsA CEO scalp
So the article in the Sunday Telegraph... 20 th May..re AsA CEO resignation, .essentially claims Greg Russell's scalp over his credit card expenses exposure and now publishes excerpts of Albanese's letter to Chair Forsyth re that expenditure...see below...
However, The Sunday Telegraph can reveal that the article triggered a request by Federal Infrastructure Minis-ter Anthony Albanese for the expenses to be reviewed. Mr Albanese, in a letter to Airservices Australia Board chairman David Forsyth of April 2, said "the cost and types of expenditure" involved in the travel and entertainment expenses incurred by Mr Russell needed to be examined. "I consider these are financial expenses which you and the Board need to be satisfied are appropriate and properly incurred in accordance with the Board's oversight of the CEO's performance and accountability," he said.
Alan Woods building now leaking like ARFF fire engines practising....
So who's next...for a "dignified departure"???
However, The Sunday Telegraph can reveal that the article triggered a request by Federal Infrastructure Minis-ter Anthony Albanese for the expenses to be reviewed. Mr Albanese, in a letter to Airservices Australia Board chairman David Forsyth of April 2, said "the cost and types of expenditure" involved in the travel and entertainment expenses incurred by Mr Russell needed to be examined. "I consider these are financial expenses which you and the Board need to be satisfied are appropriate and properly incurred in accordance with the Board's oversight of the CEO's performance and accountability," he said.
Alan Woods building now leaking like ARFF fire engines practising....
So who's next...for a "dignified departure"???
Last edited by ER_BN; 22nd May 2012 at 19:39.
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Maybe the ST can spread it's robust investigative techniques toward CASA also? Between Air Services, Fort Fumble and even the Ministers very own office you could spend a life time trolling through the spin, deflection and trough indulging antics.
Last edited by gobbledock; 22nd May 2012 at 19:47.
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Better not to ask – perhaps ??.
Pages 36 - 48 (PDF) 35 - 44 on the printed version is where the fun starts.
Perhaps the Albo flying circus should be rebadged. Some of the finer moments reproduced for your entertainment and general pleasure.
Well worth an hour or two quiet reading, just for the laughs.
Enjoy.
Perhaps the Albo flying circus should be rebadged. Some of the finer moments reproduced for your entertainment and general pleasure.
Senator XENOPHON: Mr Mrdak, why did Mr Russell resign as head of Airservices Australia?
Mr Mrdak: I am not aware of the specific reasons. That is a matter between Mr Russell and the board of Airservices Australia.
Senator XENOPHON: Mr Clark, you are the acting CEO. Why did Mr Russell resign as head of Airservices Australia?
Mr Clark: That is really a matter between Mr Russell and the board of Airservices Australia. I am not privy to the reason why he resigned.
Mr Mrdak: I do not think the officers at the table can deal with that matter. They are for Mr Russell and the board. Mr Russell has tendered his resignation to the board and the board has accepted that resignation. They are matters between Mr Russell and the board.
Senator XENOPHON: Were there any communications between the minister and Mr Russell prior to his resignation in respect of his resignation?
Mr Mrdak: Not that I am aware of.
Mr Mrdak: I am not aware of the specific reasons. That is a matter between Mr Russell and the board of Airservices Australia.
Senator XENOPHON: Mr Clark, you are the acting CEO. Why did Mr Russell resign as head of Airservices Australia?
Mr Clark: That is really a matter between Mr Russell and the board of Airservices Australia. I am not privy to the reason why he resigned.
Mr Mrdak: I do not think the officers at the table can deal with that matter. They are for Mr Russell and the board. Mr Russell has tendered his resignation to the board and the board has accepted that resignation. They are matters between Mr Russell and the board.
Senator XENOPHON: Were there any communications between the minister and Mr Russell prior to his resignation in respect of his resignation?
Mr Mrdak: Not that I am aware of.
Senator XENOPHON: And what was the purpose of that? Is that part of the conditions of employment for Mr Russell—so he could take his spouse along?
Mr Clark: Typically the reasons were for purposes of spousal events—supporting the chief executive in the organisation at spousal type events associated with CANSO, which is the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation.
Senator XENOPHON: On notice, can you please provide details of how much Mr Russell's spouse cost taxpayers?
Mr Clark: Typically the reasons were for purposes of spousal events—supporting the chief executive in the organisation at spousal type events associated with CANSO, which is the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation.
Senator XENOPHON: On notice, can you please provide details of how much Mr Russell's spouse cost taxpayers?
Senator XENOPHON: In 2010-11, the figures I have are that the expenditure is $772.6 million, with staff numbers of 3,886, an increase of 29.7 per cent and 890 extra staff members. Of that 29 per cent increase, what increase was there in air traffic controllers in that time?
Mr Clark: The number of air traffic controllers has increased slightly over that period of time. I can certainly provide more detail on notice.
Senator XENOPHON: Not by 29 per cent, though.
Mr Clark: No. Not by 29 per cent.
Senator XENOPHON: I suggest to you maybe only two or three per cent?
Mr Clark: The number of air traffic controllers has increased slightly over that period of time. I can certainly provide more detail on notice.
Senator XENOPHON: Not by 29 per cent, though.
Mr Clark: No. Not by 29 per cent.
Senator XENOPHON: I suggest to you maybe only two or three per cent?
Senator FAWCETT: That is extremely at odds with the vast number of media and other reports about air traffic controllers having to work extended amounts of overtime to make up for shortfalls in the workforce and with some of the discussions about the significant need to ramp up your training numbers. I have seen media releases that you have put out which indicate that you have in fact had a shortfall. I notice, as Senator Xenophon pointed out, your numbers of air traffic controllers have remained basically static over that period. In 2006-07 and 2007-08, what was the level of profit generated by ASA?
Mr Clark: To answer your question, Senator, in relation to profitability around 2007-08, the net profit after income tax—so the impact in 2008—was $92 million. We would typically as an organisation over that period of time from 2007, even up to today in terms of a 2012 forecast, have an EBIT, or earnings before interest and tax, averaging about $100 million per annum.
Mr Clark: To answer your question, Senator, in relation to profitability around 2007-08, the net profit after income tax—so the impact in 2008—was $92 million. We would typically as an organisation over that period of time from 2007, even up to today in terms of a 2012 forecast, have an EBIT, or earnings before interest and tax, averaging about $100 million per annum.
Enjoy.
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Senator XENOPHON: In 2010-11, the figures I have are that the expenditure is $772.6 million, with staff numbers of 3,886, an increase of 29.7 per cent and 890 extra staff members. Of that 29 per cent increase, what increase was there in air traffic controllers in that time?
890 and they are barely treading water on the ATC side of things. And ASA's core business is what??????? Thanks Senator X, keep at the ship of fools, there's a lot more to un-cover
Last edited by Jack Ranga; 25th May 2012 at 04:58.
Senator XENOPHON: On notice, can you please provide details of how much Mr Russell's spouse cost taxpayers?
I understand they are attacking the CEO's expenses. But it shouldn't be from the point of view of how much has it cost the taxpayer, because that is a very misleading point of view. It should come more from the point of view that all airspace users have to pay huge amounts of charges and fees, what level of service provisions do they get back?
Provided the CEO and company are providing a level of safety, service and efficiency that all users enjoy and are happy with, then I think the CEO can justify the wages and expenses. But have a look at the current state of affairs with service provision and navigation infrastructure, and I am sure you won't find many people who get an overwhelming sense of value for money.
Alpha
Last edited by alphacentauri; 25th May 2012 at 05:46.
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Now You Know
Recent decisions by Airservices Australia are proof of the existence of a new chemical element, according to scientists. A major research institution has recently announced the discovery of the heaviest element yet known to science.
The new element has been named ‘Airservitium’. Airservitium (As), has one neutron, 25 assistant neutrons, 88 deputy neutrons, and 198 assistant deputy neutrons, giving it an atomic mass of 312.
These 312 particles are held together by forces called morons, which are surrounded by vast quantities of lepton-like particles called peons.
Since Airservitium has no electrons, it is inert. However, it can be detected because it impedes every reaction with which it comes into contact. A minute amount of Airservitium can cause a reaction that would normally take less than a second, to actually take over 4 days to complete.
Airservitium has a normal half-life of 4 years; it does not decay, but instead undergoes a reorganization in which a portion of the assistant neutrons exchange places. In fact Airservitium mass will actually increase over time, since each reorganization will cause more morons to become neutrons, forming isodopes.
This characteristic of moron promotion leads some scientists to believe that Airservitium is formed whenever morons reach a critical concentration! This hypothetical quantity is referred to as Critical Morass.
When catalyzed with money, Airservitium becomes Administratium, an element which radiates just as much energy as Airservitium since it has half the number of peons but twice as many morons.
The new element has been named ‘Airservitium’. Airservitium (As), has one neutron, 25 assistant neutrons, 88 deputy neutrons, and 198 assistant deputy neutrons, giving it an atomic mass of 312.
These 312 particles are held together by forces called morons, which are surrounded by vast quantities of lepton-like particles called peons.
Since Airservitium has no electrons, it is inert. However, it can be detected because it impedes every reaction with which it comes into contact. A minute amount of Airservitium can cause a reaction that would normally take less than a second, to actually take over 4 days to complete.
Airservitium has a normal half-life of 4 years; it does not decay, but instead undergoes a reorganization in which a portion of the assistant neutrons exchange places. In fact Airservitium mass will actually increase over time, since each reorganization will cause more morons to become neutrons, forming isodopes.
This characteristic of moron promotion leads some scientists to believe that Airservitium is formed whenever morons reach a critical concentration! This hypothetical quantity is referred to as Critical Morass.
When catalyzed with money, Airservitium becomes Administratium, an element which radiates just as much energy as Airservitium since it has half the number of peons but twice as many morons.
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Originally Posted by alphacentauri
Senator XENOPHON: On notice, can you please provide details of how much Mr Russell's spouse cost taxpayers?
I understand they are attacking the CEO's expenses. But it shouldn't be from the point of view of how much has it cost the taxpayer, because that is a very misleading point of view. It should come more from the point of view that all airspace users have to pay huge amounts of charges and fees, what level of service provisions do they get back?
Re "Aviation is beng crushed and squeezed between Air Services, CASA and the corporate leeches that 'own' what is rightfully public infrastructure - our nations airports."
S P O T O N Ramble!!!
And, VERY GOOD IGS.......Earns a PHD in 'TFNistry' et al......
Cheers
S P O T O N Ramble!!!
And, VERY GOOD IGS.......Earns a PHD in 'TFNistry' et al......
Cheers
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and of course the single shareholder of Airservices is 'The Commonwealth'; me, you us - the TAXPAYER.
Good to see some accountability - finally for the outrages. Look deep because they are beyond financial.
Good to see some accountability - finally for the outrages. Look deep because they are beyond financial.
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Thompson for Transport Minister.
Mayhap the real reason for the Thompson ruck is that the opposition have realised there is bloke who can (and apparently did) actually find a cat in a cathouse without the aid of a seeing eye dog.
It all started one sunny day at the opposition executive trough, after morning tea, (between first and second breakfast); one of the brighter piglets (BP) piped up "You know, if we ever have a major air accident it will bring down the government"; "Yeah, how so" was the languid response from the group sun bed.
"Well" says BP, "of course the whole air transport gig is a complete shambles; the expected ineptitude, incompetence, ignorance and corruption levels are all pretty stable, at the normal levels; but, profiteering and spin levels are very high and have reached a point where the public can actually identify them using standard pony pooh detection equipment".
"Good Oh, let us know if anything changes" came the dreamy response from the sun bed, and the party continued as scheduled.
And so, things continued at the usual glacial pace, the trough parties were occasionally interrupted by unpleasant things which required the occasional plump cheek to raised, although in fairness, it must be said this was mostly to break wind in the general direction of the next door farm yard.
Then, the fell day arrived, just as every one was settling down for second breakfast, BP got a message on his Blackberry. "Flee, all is lost, next door have found a competent and they will make him the Minister for the "Flying Pig Circus".
Well of course children the very idea of a "competent" in charge was abhorrent, there was even a wild rumour that two of the top weights even stood up and moved a little to the right, but that was never confirmed.
"This must not be allowed to happen" said the languid one, "see to it BP". Well children, the rest of the story is available, between advertisements on your favourite TV channel.
Stop press : There is actual anxiety being detected, BP has invented a scenario in which a junior pilot of a large jet has been misdirected by a fatigued air traffic controller with a weak bladder and flown into a second large jet. The fall out (pardon the pun) is heading for the troughs and there are grave concerns that the public, the coroners and the courts may see through the ever thinning veil of pony pooh, carbon smoke and truth distorting mirrors.
Yes GP – It's all bollocks, but Hansard for 23/5/2012 does have the makings of a great story for some bright journalist.
It all started one sunny day at the opposition executive trough, after morning tea, (between first and second breakfast); one of the brighter piglets (BP) piped up "You know, if we ever have a major air accident it will bring down the government"; "Yeah, how so" was the languid response from the group sun bed.
"Well" says BP, "of course the whole air transport gig is a complete shambles; the expected ineptitude, incompetence, ignorance and corruption levels are all pretty stable, at the normal levels; but, profiteering and spin levels are very high and have reached a point where the public can actually identify them using standard pony pooh detection equipment".
"Good Oh, let us know if anything changes" came the dreamy response from the sun bed, and the party continued as scheduled.
And so, things continued at the usual glacial pace, the trough parties were occasionally interrupted by unpleasant things which required the occasional plump cheek to raised, although in fairness, it must be said this was mostly to break wind in the general direction of the next door farm yard.
Then, the fell day arrived, just as every one was settling down for second breakfast, BP got a message on his Blackberry. "Flee, all is lost, next door have found a competent and they will make him the Minister for the "Flying Pig Circus".
Well of course children the very idea of a "competent" in charge was abhorrent, there was even a wild rumour that two of the top weights even stood up and moved a little to the right, but that was never confirmed.
"This must not be allowed to happen" said the languid one, "see to it BP". Well children, the rest of the story is available, between advertisements on your favourite TV channel.
Stop press : There is actual anxiety being detected, BP has invented a scenario in which a junior pilot of a large jet has been misdirected by a fatigued air traffic controller with a weak bladder and flown into a second large jet. The fall out (pardon the pun) is heading for the troughs and there are grave concerns that the public, the coroners and the courts may see through the ever thinning veil of pony pooh, carbon smoke and truth distorting mirrors.
Yes GP – It's all bollocks, but Hansard for 23/5/2012 does have the makings of a great story for some bright journalist.
Last edited by Kharon; 25th May 2012 at 22:34. Reason: In fond memory of this mornings bacon sambo. Selah.
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Hammer time?
Well done Kharon well done. You get bonus points for incorporating pony pooh, Craig Thomson, troughs, pigs and circus!
It's a pity your potential Hamlet play mimics what will actually occur someday in our skies or on the ground. No amount of spin or bureaucratic pony pooh will be able to patch over a giant smoking crater filled with fragmented pieces of flight crew, adults and children.
Senators, you have come this far now finish it off. Deal the death blow.
You are so close that we can smell the ink on their resgination letters and hear the $kaching$ of generous superannuation packages being cashed out!
P.S I believe grip pipe will have his work cut out for him in next weeks installment of his very popular oz aviation thread
And grip pipe, if you are reading this, please please please may you incorporate a pig/trough statement in your next installment?
It's a pity your potential Hamlet play mimics what will actually occur someday in our skies or on the ground. No amount of spin or bureaucratic pony pooh will be able to patch over a giant smoking crater filled with fragmented pieces of flight crew, adults and children.
Senators, you have come this far now finish it off. Deal the death blow.
You are so close that we can smell the ink on their resgination letters and hear the $kaching$ of generous superannuation packages being cashed out!
P.S I believe grip pipe will have his work cut out for him in next weeks installment of his very popular oz aviation thread
And grip pipe, if you are reading this, please please please may you incorporate a pig/trough statement in your next installment?
Last edited by gobbledock; 26th May 2012 at 00:56.
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Will be interesting to see how long the 'top to bottom' review of Air Services will take CASA. No doubt that the results, if it is conducted as thoroughly as they claim, will cause more heads to roll.
How often are the senate estimate hearings held? Do the public ever get to see the responses to the questions taken on notice?
How often are the senate estimate hearings held? Do the public ever get to see the responses to the questions taken on notice?
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CASA Review? - surely a big bunch of expensive, independent Management Consultants would give the desired report - everything is AOK baby. At least ASA Canberra is doing their bit to keep national employment steady - just check out the current vacancies - some of those Management positions being created are crackers.