MEDIA RELEASE
The Hon Mark Vaile MP
Deputy Prime Minister
Minister for Transport and Regional Services
Leader of the Nationals
DOTARS07/110MV - 3 July 2007
Australian Airspace Policy Statement finalised
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Transport and Regional Services, Mark Vaile, said today he had issued the first Australian Airspace Policy Statement.
"The Airspace Policy Statement is a crucial element in the Government's decision to transfer airspace regulatory functions from Airservices Australia to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA)," Mr Vaile said.
The Australian Airspace Policy Statement is the blueprint for the future administration of a critical national asset - airspace - and brings together current policy with existing and planned initiatives to meet the demands of airspace users.
Mr Vaile said the Airspace Act 2007 and the Airspace Regulations 2007 became effective on July 1.
"CASA is now assuming its new function as Australia's airspace regulator," Mr Vaile said.
A draft of the Policy Statement was released for stakeholder comment by the Department of Transport and Regional Services on 25 May. Sixteen comments were received and improvements have been made to the document as a result.
"I wish to thank all those who contributed and provided feedback," Mr Vaile said.
In accordance with the Government's previously announced position, the Department will soon commence consultations with the aviation industry on the preparation of a more comprehensive statement.
The Australian Airspace Policy Statement, the Airspace Act 2007, the Airspace (Consequentials and other measures) Act 2007, and Airspace Regulations 2007 and other related documents can all be found on the DOTARS website at www.dotars.gov.au/aviation/airspace_reform/.
Media contact:
Tanya Cleary(Mr Vaile's Office)
Ph: 02 6277 7680 or 0418 615 280
Web: www.ministers.dotars.gov.au