Statement of Expectations

For the Board of Airservices Australia

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 Airservices Australia (Airservices) from 1 July 2011 – 30 June 2013.  This SOE serves as a notice of strategic direction to Airservices under section 17 of the Air Services Act 1995 and commences on 1 July 2011.

The Government’s vision for Airservices is that it efficiently and effectively performs its statutory functions to deliver safe, high quality air navigation and related services for the benefit of the Australian community.  The Government expects that, consistent with subsection 9(1) of the Air Services Act 1995, Airservices must regard the safety of air navigation as the most important consideration in performing its functions.

As the Board of Airservices, I expect that you:

·           will ensure that Airservices acts in accordance with the Air Services Act 1995, Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997 (and associated regulations) as well as other relevant legislation and legal instruments; and

·           will keep me and the Secretary of the Department of Infrastructure and Transport (the Department), through the Chair of the Board, fully informed of Airservices’ actions in relation to the initiatives and activities stated below, and alert me to events or issues that may impact on the operations of Airservices, including the provision of timely Board reports and quarterly reports of progress against the Corporate Plan.

My expectations are that Airservices will:

1.      undertake effective stakeholder engagement with the community, industry and Government on the development and implementation of significant changes by Airservices to air traffic and rescue and fire fighting services.

2.      perform its functions in a manner that supports Government policy, specifically the following three key aviation goals outlined in the National Aviation Policy White Paper:

·           safety remains the highest priority;

·           a responsible approach to managing the environmental impacts of aviation; and

·           a coordinated approach to airport planning and investment.

3.      continue to implement relevant Government air traffic management and other airspace policy initiatives in the Aviation White Paper (in conjunction with the Department, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and the Department of Defence).

4.      engage constructively in processes where it can provide information, assistance or advice for policy formulation, implementation and regulation undertaken by Government agencies, both within and outside my portfolio.

5.      assist in implementing the Government’s environmental initiatives in relation to climate change and aircraft noise management, including;

·           supporting the ongoing role of the Aircraft Noise Ombudsman;

·           implementing the recommendations from the Aircraft Noise Ombudsman’s review of complaints handling including the appropriate resourcing of the Noise Complaints Unit;

·           undertaking an annual update of a detailed work program outlining Airservices initiatives in managing, monitoring and reporting on the environmental effects of aircraft, including the Sydney Airport Long Term Operating Plan; and

·           continuing work on an implementation plan for the potential for wider use of Required Navigation Performance (RNP) approaches at Australian airports to enhance safety and efficiency, reduce emissions, and minimise noise impacts, and the steps Airservices will take to consult with community and industry stakeholders on the plan.

6.      contribute to a coordinated approach to airport planning including appropriate participation in, and providing information to, planning coordination forums, community aviation consultation groups, and the National Aviation Safeguarding Advisory Group.

7.      support the Government’s Air Traffic Management (ATM) Policy through the development and implementation of an ATM Services and Facilities Plan.

8.      provide a clearly defined Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Service (ARFFS) for civil operations at civil and joint-user airports that meet the establishment criteria in the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, and develop Memorandum of Agreements with State and Territory fire authorities.

9.      progress the implementation of agreed joint civil and military aviation harmonisation initiatives in conjunction with the Department of Defence.

10.   continue to invest in future infrastructure upgrades and replacement programs as demonstrated in a detailed capital expenditure program, including enhanced air traffic and surveillance services at regional airports.  

11.   commit to a strong focus on human resource issues, including publication of an annual update of the Airservices Australia Workforce Plan, and the development and implementation of proactive training and retention policies.

12.   continue to support the Government’s aviation safety agenda in the Asia/Pacific region.

13.   adhere to values and a code of conduct that maintains high standards of professionalism, customer 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