CASA proves commitment to transparent inquiry
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) today announced that it had appointed Mr Stephen Skehill to undertake the more detailed investigation into internal issues arising from the suspension, and subsequent conditional stay, of the Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) of Aquatic Air Pty Ltd, trading as South Pacific Seaplanes.
Mr Skehill is Special Counsel in the Canberra office of national law firm Mallesons Stephen Jaques, and was until last year, Secretary to the Commonwealth Attorney-General's Department.
The Director of Aviation Safety, Mick Toller, said that CASA had instituted its own investigation into the Aquatic Air matter soon after the fatal accident on 26 July, in reflection of its determination to ensure transparent accountability for its vital regulatory functions.
"Since then, CASA has released the preliminary report of that investigation and has announced the terms of reference for the expanded inquiry," Mr Toller said.
"Despite this unprecedented level of openness, there have been some who have suggested that the involvement of the Assistant Director Aviation Safety Compliance, Laurie Foley, a former CASA Board Member, in this process was inappropriate. Neither the Board or I accept the validity of that suggestion.
"However, rather than put the integrity of this investigation under any doubt, Mr Foley has agreed with my decision to commission Mr Skehill to see this matter through to finality. This will end needless debate and focus only on a quality outcome for Australian air safety."
Mr Toller said that this appointment clearly proved CASA's commitment to proper standards of accountability that had driven the Authority's approach to this event.
"Mr Skehill's extensive experience of over 27 years in the public sector with 22 years at Senior Executive or Secretary level, uniquely equips him to undertake this task," Mr Toller said. "Over the years he has successfully and professionally conducted a number of inquiries and investigations for successive governments into significant matters of public interest."
Mr Toller said the expanded inquiry would examine a number of specific issues in accordance with the following terms of reference - Conduct a full and complete review of the actions of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority in relation to the operations of Aquatic Air Pty Ltd, trading as South Pacific Seaplanes, for the three years ending 31 July 1998.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Brian Flanagan
Manager, Office of Public Relations
Phone: 02 6217 1015
Mobile 0419 296 446
13 August 1998
Ref: ME9822PR