The Federal Government has passed new policy designed to maintain a balance between aviation safety and the cost impacts of safety standards on aircraft operators.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Civil Aviation Amendment Bill is designed to support a regulatory environment that continues to maintain safety as the highest priority without unnecessarily restricting innovation and growth.
The Bill aims to ensure the economic and cost impacts on aircraft operators are considered when the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) develop new safety standards.
Mr McCormack said the Federal Government was “committed to ensuring its aviation policies continue to help sustain a strong and viable Australian aviation industry”.
“Aviation continues to evolve but remains an essential ingredient to the economic success of this nation.” Mr McCormack said.
Mr McCormack said the amendment marks the Federal Government’s continuing support of aviation, which also includes the new Regional Airports Program, the Women in Aviation initiative, continuation of the Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program and the increase to the student Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) loan limit.
“The Government’s $100 million Regional Airports Program is today opening for applications, providing funding assistance to owners of regional airports to undertake access and safety works. The works range from runway resurfacing to safety works such as fencing and runway lighting,” he said.
The Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program is also open for applications – part of the $28.3 million announced last year for remote airstrips.
“I also acknowledge the bipartisan support on the amendment by the Labor party and its ongoing support on aviation safety matters,” Mr McCormack said.
