New Aviation Industry Consultative Council takes flight
10th December, 2014
DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss has established the Aviation Industry Consultative Council – providing the aviation sector with a direct voice to the Minister and the Australian Government.Chairing the first meeting in Canberra today, Mr Truss said the Council is dedicated to aviation matters and will be a valuable forum for discussion between the industry and Government.
“Aviation is central to the Australian economy – from domestic and international tourism, to business and work-related travel, family reunions and medical emergencies; so the Australian Government is committed to ensuring aviation’s many voices are heard,” Mr Truss said.
“Our government has already initiated and responded to the landmark Aviation Safety Regulation Review, we have reformed the Qantas Sale Act, abolished the carbon tax on aviation fuel, revived the Enroute Charges Payment Scheme and ended half-a-century of dithering by locking-in Badgerys Creek as the site for a dedicated Western Sydney airport.
“But there is more to do in this ‘aero-space’ and we welcome ideas and insights from industry. The Council will act as an advisory body tackling high level strategic issues, but it is not a decision-making entity.
“The Council is made up of 18 members from across the aviation sector, providing a broad range of perspectives, including representatives from airlines, airports, manufacturing, maintenance and flight training sectors.”
At today’s inaugural Council meeting, members highlighted issues of concern to the industry, notably opportunities to reduce regulatory burdens, challenges in regional aviation, the need to revitalise the General Aviation Industry Action Agenda, aviation workforce skills and implementation of the Government’s response to the Aviation Safety Regulation Review Report.
These will be considered further as part of the future work program for the Council.
Mr Truss also introduced the newly appointed Director of Aviation Safety, Air Vice-Marshal (Ret’d) Mark Skidmore AM, to the Council. The Council will meet twice a year, or as required, and will complement other industry forums, not compete with them.
“I am pleased to be Chairing this new Aviation Industry Consultative Council and working side-by-side with industry to build a better future for Australian aviation,” Mr Truss said.
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