Senate committee reviews state of Australia’s general aviation sector

Written By the psychopomp

The Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Legislation Committee will inquire into and report on the current state of Australia's general aviation industry, with particular reference to aviation in rural, regional and remote Australia. 

The committee will consider the operation and effectiveness of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and other relevant aviation agencies, with particular reference to:

  1. the legislative and regulatory framework underpinning CASA's aviation safety management functions, including:

    1. the application of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 to Australia's aviation sector, and whether the legislation is fit for purpose;

    2. the safety and economic impacts, and relative risks, of CASA's aviation safety frameworks; and

    3. the engagement of CASA with other relevant Australian Government agencies;

  2. the immediate and long-term social and economic impacts of CASA decisions on small businesses, agricultural operations and individuals across regional, rural and remote Australia;

  3. CASA's processes and functions, including:

    1. its maintenance of an efficient and sustainable Australian aviation industry, including viable general aviation and training sectors;

    2. the efficacy of its engagement with the aviation sector, including via public consultation; and

    3. its ability to broaden accessibility to regional aviation across Australia, considering the associated benefits of an expanded aviation sector; and any related matters.

The committee will present its interim report on or before the final sitting day of December 2020, and will present its final report on or before the final sitting day of November 2021.

the psychopomp