MEDIA RELEASE The Hon Anthony Albanese MP Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government 20 March 2008 AA019/2008

RELEASE OF MILLER REPORT ON AVIATION SAFETY AGENCY RELATIONS I am today releasing for public comment the report written by Mr Russell Miller AM following his review into the relationship between the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Mr Miller undertook the review at the request of the former Transport Minister following comments from the Queensland State Coroner about the observed tensions between the two agencies during the inquest into the tragic accident at Lockhart River in 2005. I thank Mr Miller for his comprehensive report. The Rudd Labor Government is committed to the highest standards of aviation safety, an outcome requiring Australia's transport safety agencies to work together effectively. While Mr Miller concluded aviation in Australia is safe and that ATSB and CASA are widely considered global leaders in their respective fields, he also found room for improvement in the way they interact. I am determined to ensure Mr Miller's detailed recommendations are addressed in a way that strengthens Australia's international standing in aviation safety and improves safety for the traveling public. To this end, I am now seeking public input on Mr Miller's recommendations. A number of the recommendations are largely administrative in nature and relate to the working arrangements between the agencies. I expect these to be promptly implemented by the agencies. Other recommendations potentially involve more complex legislative and governance issues. One group of recommendations relates to refining the protection of information collected during ATSB investigations, namely that in strictly limited circumstances the information should be provided to CASA to facilitate immediate safety action. Other recommendations go to the governance structure for ATSB. In considering these recommendations, my aim will be to identify a way forward which will help ATSB and CASA maximise the practical contribution they are able to make to aviation safety. Comments on the report's recommendations should be provided to the Secretary of my Department by Wednesday, 30 April. The full report can be accessed at: www.infrastructure.gov.au/aviation/safety/atsb_casa_report.aspx Media Contacts Jeff Singleton ( Mr Albanese's Office ) 0410 476 890 Background to Mr Russell Miller AM Mr Russell Miller AM is a senior partner with Minter Ellison Lawyers (ACT). He has extensive experience in aviation and administrative law, and in working with aviation agencies. He was a founding Commissioner of the International Air Services Commission and a former Chair of the International Bar Associations Aviation Committee, and has held a number of directorships and government appointment. ATTACHMENT ATSB/CASA Review 2007 Miller Report on Aviation Safety Agency Relations Summary of Recommendations   URL: http://www.minister.infrastructure.gov.au/aa/releases/2008/March/AA019_2008.htm