Statement of Expectations
 For the Board of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority
For the Period 1 July 2011 to 30 June 2013
 
This Statement of Expectations (SOE) outlines in a formal and public way, my expectations concerning the operations and performance of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) from 1 July 2011 to 30 June 2013.   This Statement of Expectations serves as a notice of strategic direction to CASA under section 12A of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 (the Act) and commences on 1 July 2011.
The Australian Government has committed additional funding for CASA and expects the Board to help position CASA to meet current and emerging challenges in aviation safety, by operating as a world leading aviation safety regulator, backed by a workforce with the requisite skills and capabilities to maintain a high level of aviation safety. 
As the Board of CASA, I expect that you:
·         will ensure CASA acts in accordance with the Act and the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997 (CAC Act) as well as other relevant legislation and legal instruments;
·         will give a particular focus to the governance of CASA and its performance against the goals identified in the Corporate Plan including improved safety outcomes, with the Director of Aviation Safety discharging the responsibility for regulatory decision making; and
·         will ensure that I and the Secretary of the Department of Infrastructure and Transport (the Department) are kept fully informed of CASA’s actions in relation to the initiatives and activities stated below, and 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:
 
1                    perform its functions in a manner that supports Government policy, focussing on the key aviation goal, as outlined in the National Aviation Policy White Paper (White Paper), that aviation safety remains the highest priority.
 
2                    in conjunction with the Department, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), Airservices Australia and the Department of Defence as appropriate, continue to develop and implement policies, programs and other initiatives of the White Paper to facilitate aviation safety, including:
a) continuing to develop and implement the strategy and regulatory plan for future air navigation, communication and surveillance initiatives;
b) continuing its strong commitment to completing the regulatory reform program in conjunction with the Office of Legislative Drafting and Publishing (OLDP);
c) maintaining a strategic workforce plan that addresses CASA’s future recruitment, training and skills requirements;
d) continuing to implement the Government’s policy objectives in the Australian Airspace Policy Statement; and
e) managing the commitment to cap aviation regulatory service fees (subject to adjustments in the consumer price index).
 
3                    undertake effective and appropriate stakeholder engagement with the community, industry and Government in the further development and implementation of significant changes to CASA’s regulatory operations including continuing to strengthen industry awareness of its safety obligations and the provision of relevant education programs.
 
4                    continue to adhere to the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding with the ATSB and provide advice to me about significant issues arising from the regular Executive meetings held between the Director of Aviation Safety and the Chief Commissioner.
 
5                    continue to work closely with the Department and other Australian Government agencies, including the ATSB and Airservices Australia to deliver integrated and comprehensive safety regulatory advice to Government and industry.
 
6                    continue to pursue the establishment of appropriate mutual recognition arrangements including appropriate Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreements.
 
7                    continue to support the Government’s aviation safety agenda in the Asia/Pacific region including initiatives such as the Indonesian Transport Safety Assistance Package.
 
8                    maintain 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.
 
9                    continue to support the maintenance of Australia’s State Safety Program including the appropriate implementation of Safety Management Systems.
 
10                adhere to a set of values and a code of conduct that maintain high standards of professionalism, service, probity, reporting, accountability and transparency, consistent with the Government’s aim of excellence in the public sector.
 
 
 
 
ANTHONY ALBANESE
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport
2 May 2011