Statement of Expectations
For the Board of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority
For the Period 16 April 2015 to 30 June 2017
 
This Statement of Expectations (SOE) outlines in a formal and public way, the Government’s expectations concerning the operations and performance of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) from 16 April 2015 to 30 June 2017. 
This SOE serves as a notice of strategic direction to CASA under section 12A of the
Civil Aviation Act 1988 (the Act).
 
This SOE replaces the previous SOE which came into effect on 1 July 2013.
 
As the Board of CASA, I expect that you will:
1.        provide proactive leadership in setting, steering and overseeing CASA’s strategic direction to meet current and emerging challenges in aviation safety;
2.        continue to perform your functions effectively under section 53 of the Act, which are to:
(a)      decide the objectives, strategies and policies to be followed by CASA;
(b)      ensure that CASA performs its functions in a proper, efficient and effective manner; and
(c)      ensure that CASA complies with directions given under section 12B of the Act.
3.        ensure that CASA, in performing its functions:
(a) acts in accordance with the Act and the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act) as well as other relevant legislation;
(b) is guided by the key aviation safety principles set out in the tabling statement to the Government’s response on the Aviation Safety Regulation Review Report;
(c) considers recommendations by the Industry Complaints Commissioner (ICC) about systemic issues arising from the ICC’s investigations;
(d)            communicates regularly with relevant Government agencies, industry and other key stakeholders regarding CASA’s activities and functions; and
(e) ensures that I and the Secretary of the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development (the Department) are kept fully informed of CASA’s actions in relation to the requirements stated, and are alerted to events or issues that may impact on the operations of CASA, including through the provision of timely quarterly reports of progress against the Corporate Plan.
 
My expectations are that CASA will, in performing its functions:
4.        continue to focus on aviation safety as the highest priority.
5.        operate as a world leading aviation safety regulator, backed by a workforce with the requisite skills and capabilities.
6.        provide an implementation plan of how CASA will implement the Government’s response to the CASA-related recommendations in the Aviation Safety Regulation Review Report in an effective and timely manner.
7.        prepare a revised workforce plan to come into effect from 1 July 2015, to be annually updated, which will outline CASA’s strategies for managing and developing its workforce over the next four years covering future recruitment, training and skills requirements and opportunities, as appropriate, for staff exchanges with industry.
8.        work closely with the ATSB to ensure continued arrangements are in place, consistent with the current Safety Information Policy Statement and informed by ‘just culture’ principles, for the appropriate sharing and use of safety information by CASA and the ATSB;
9.        implement the Government’s policy objectives in the Australian Airspace Policy Statement and review the operations and functions of the Office of Airspace Regulation (OAR) noting that the OAR commenced with the enactment of the Airspace Act 2007.
10.    work with the Department in the preparation of a new long term funding strategy for CASA to be reflected in the 2016-17 Portfolio Budget Statements to provide ongoing financial stability for CASA and examine opportunities for reducing the costs of regulation to the aviation industry.
11.    continue to work closely with the Department and other Australian Government agencies, including the ATSB, Airservices Australia and the Department of Defence, to deliver integrated and comprehensive safety regulatory advice to the Government, the aviation industry and the community.
12.    continue to strengthen international and Asia-Pacific regional aviation safety engagement through:
a)    establishment of appropriate mutual recognition arrangements;
b)    support of the Government’s aviation safety initiatives in the Asia/Pacific region; and
c)    commitment to the Memorandum of Understanding between CASA, the Department and Airservices Australia, regarding the management of Australia’s International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) responsibilities.
13.    maintain high standards of professionalism, service, probity, reporting, accountability and transparency, consistent with the provisions of the PGPA Act and have a code of conduct and values consistent with those used by the Australian Public Service.
14.    undertake effective and ongoing engagement with the aviation industry to create an effective collaborative relationship between CASA and industry based on a foundation of mutual understanding and respect.
15.    consider the economic and cost impact on individuals, businesses and the community in the development and finalisation of new or amended regulatory changes.
 
 
 
(signed)
WARREN TRUSS
Minister for Infrastructure
and Regional Development
14 April 2015