Regulatory Advisory Panels (RAPs)

In 2004, the CASA CEO issued a directive that required that a Regulatory Advisory Panel (RAP) be established in relation to each CASR Part under development. The original directive has since been updated by CEO directive 003/2006 – Regulatory Advisory Panels.

The work of a RAP is separate from and additional to the consultative arrangements through the Standards Consultative Committee (SCC).

A Regulatory Advisory Panel will convene and report to the CEO prior to submission of the CASR Part to the Minister and publication of the Notice of Final Rule Making in relation to that Part.

Tasks of a RAP

The role of a RAP is principally to ensure that "due process" has been followed when developing a CASR Part and that the aviation community's views were fully considered. The RAP is not intended to conduct a general review of technical/policy content relating to the particular CASR Part, although the RAP may identify, consider and make recommendations on technical/policy issues newly arising or not addressed in the CASR Part.
The RAP is to review whether the development of the particular CASR Part was consistent with the Guiding Principles for Regulatory Framework set out in CEO Directive 1/2007, and that the regulatory impact, costs and benefits have been adequately considered and are consistent with CASA policy and the Government's regulatory best practice for reviewing and reforming legislation.
In relation to the consultation requirements for a CASR Part's development, the RAP is to review whether the consultation documentation adequately described known or likely safety risks, adequately discussed the options available for addressing those risks, involved the affected stakeholders, and adequately dealt with the issues/concerns that evolved from such consultation, including whether stakeholder views were fully considered and, where appropriate, incorporated into the CASR Part.
In relation to the development of a MOS, the RAP is to review whether the document structure is consistent with the Guiding Principles for Regulatory Framework set out in CEO Directive 1/2007 , and is consistent with CASA policies and the Government's regulatory best practice for developing legislative instruments.
In relation to a draft NFRM, the RAP is to review whether the document adequately provides a full history of the particular CASR Part's development process, that it incorporates all the consultation elements of the CASR Part's development, that it adequately addresses and considers the aviation community's concerns and views, that it provides an adequate analysis of the safety risks, impact, benefits, and costs associated with the CASR Part's regulatory development and associated supporting material.