GREEN

Completed or on track/no further action required

AMBER

Possible delays/impact on deliverables

RED

Delayed/unable to achieve deliverable

Measure of success

Regulatory program is achieved within agreed timeframes and in accordance with reasonable assumptions

Result

AMBER

The flight operations regulations – Civil Aviation Safety Regulations Parts 91, 119, 121, 133, 135 and 138 – were made on 6 December 2018. Drafting instructions for the savings, transitional and consequential amendments for those Parts are with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel.

Three of the five Manuals of Standards for the flight operations regulations were reviewed by industry technical working groups and consultation is planned for the remaining two. All are expected to be made by 31 March 2020.

A technical working group workshop was conducted regarding the terms of reference for an independent review into the seat break for Part 135.

The planning for Parts 103, 105 and 131 has been approved and instructions for all three Parts are with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel. These Parts represent the final three Parts of the regulation reform program and are expected to be made by 31 December 2019.

Part 149 and the related Manual of Standards were made during the reporting period and will commence in July 2019.

Measure of success

CASA has initiatives in place to improve the aviation safety regulatory framework

Result

GREEN

CASA’s scheduled sector risk profile program for 2018–19 was completed. Safety sector risk profiles were completed for the large aeroplanes, helicopter charter and remotely piloted aircraft systems sectors. The sector risk profiles for aerial mustering and aerodromes were reviewed.

Measure of success

New regulations are developed using a stakeholder engagement process

Result

GREEN

During 2018–19, the Aviation Safety Advisory Panel (ASAP) met four times and oversaw 19 technical working group meetings, with a focus on flight operations regulations, continuing airworthiness, and the fatigue rules. The minutes of the technical working groups, which involved 140 industry participants, are published on CASA’s website.

Measure of success

Collect, analyse and report on trends and issues identified in aviation safety data

Result

GREEN

CASA’s Aviation Safety Committee (ASC) continually reviews data from a number of sources to inform its decision-making and approach to surveillance and proposed policy development. CASA is actively collaborating with the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, the Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics and Airservices Australia to develop a cross-agency identification and categorisation of datasets and their associated use. Aviation safety data and trends are presented and discussed at the ASC and CASA Board meetings.

Measure of success

Industry and CASA assessed as ready for transition during the pre-commencement gate review

Result

GREEN

Gate reviews were completed in line with the regulatory development program.

Measure of success

Applications for authorisations submitted to the Client Services Centre (CSC) meet service delivery standards

Result

AMBER

Measure of success

Regulatory service decisions are made in a lawful and timely way

Result

GREEN

All regulatory service decisions were made in accordance with the relevant legislation, rules and policies, and 90 per cent were made within published service delivery timeframes. Service delivery timeframes were impacted by delays in CSC receiving necessary information from applicants. Where a specific request was made to prioritise a decision, due to commercial or legal reasons, the request was acted on immediately.

Measure of success

CSC has processes in place and followed to identify approvals which may have been issued in error

Result

GREEN

CSC has an established quality system to ensure that approvals are not issued in error. Mechanisms are in place to capture authorisations and permissions that have been issued in error; however, error rates are not tracked.

Measure of success

Annual national oversight program is completed as planned

Result

GREEN

The goals of CASA’s National Surveillance Selection Process continued to be exceeded. CASA achieved 98 per cent of its scheduled surveillance by June 2019, exceeding the initial goal of 90 per cent.

Development of the National Oversight Plan continued throughout the year. A pilot of the program will be launched during 2019–20.

Measure of success

Proportionate enforcement action is taken

Result

GREEN

Results against this measure remain on track. All enforcement matters are proceeding in accordance with CASA’s published enforcement procedures.

CASA’s enforcement-related decisions have largely been upheld where matters have proceeded to hearing in external forums, including the Federal Court and the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. CASA’s approach to compliance is to consider a range of options such as counselling, infringement notices or safety observations where applicable.

In April 2019, CASA made one application to the Federal Court for a prohibition order pursuant to section 30DE of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 (serious and imminent risk). The Federal Court granted the order.

Measure of success

Serious breaches of the legislation are referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP)

Result

GREEN

In accordance with CASA’s enforcement procedures and the applicable guidelines of the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions, CASA consistently referred briefs of evidence to the Director of Public Prosecutions in relation to matters which were assessed as involving deliberate and serious contravention of the aviation legislation.

During 2018–19, 13 briefs were referred and nine prosecutions were concluded, each of which resulted in a conviction.

Measure of success

Stakeholder satisfaction with CASA’s performance in key areas including satisfaction with the Aviation Safety Advisory Panel and its technical working groups and aviation safety seminars

Result

GREEN

Having implemented the 2017–18 stakeholder engagement strategy, the 2018–19 stakeholder engagement strategy was considered by the Board in February 2019 and is now being implemented. It focuses on areas of opportunity identified as part of the Stakeholder Satisfaction Survey conducted in 2018.

Measure of success

Processes, guidance and applicable policy manuals (standards, enforcement and surveillance) are available on the website

Result

GREEN

The appropriate guidance information is available on CASA’s website. Web content is being reviewed to ensure that it is updated where required. More than 700 documents from internal and external websites were archived during 2018–19, as part of ongoing efforts to remove legacy or dated content.

Measure of success

All regulatory decisions are accompanied by a statement of reasons where required and where otherwise practicable

Result

GREEN

All regulatory decisions to refuse an authorisation were accompanied by a statement of reasons and followed the formal enforcement process administered by CASA’s Legal and Regulatory Affairs Division.

Measure of success

Decisions to cancel certain civil aviation authorisations are published on the CASA website

Result

GREEN

Where permissible under privacy legislation, decisions to cancel certain civil aviation authorisations are published on CASA’s website.

In 2018–19, two decisions were published: one involving the cancellation of an authorisation, and the other the suspension of an air operator certificate/flight crew licence under the serious and imminent risk provisions in Part III of the Civil Aviation Act 1988.

Measure of success

Number of complaints about CASA not being open and transparent

Result

GREEN

The Industry Complaints Commissioner found that CASA failed to act openly and transparently in the handling of four of the 123 complaints resolved during 2018–19. The findings can be summarised as:

• A chief pilot nomination assessment interview was completed as a de facto enforcement activity.
• CASA misrepresented the consequences of failing to cooperate to a remotely piloted aircraft systems operator under investigation, in order to obtain an address for service of an infringement notice.
• CASA’s processes in assessing an instrument of delegation were deficient.
• Contrary to a specific undertaking of confidentiality, CASA disclosed to the subject of a safety report the identity of the person who had anonymously made that report.

Measure of success

Effective communication to key audience using appropriate channels such as guidance materials, media, and internal communication

Result

GREEN

A range of internal and external communication activities were implemented, and communication plans were developed for each activity. The communication plans identified affected stakeholders and the best channels and methods of reaching them.

The activities included communication strategies for:

• regulatory change projects in areas such as fatigue, maintenance regulations, flight operations regulations, dangerous goods and Civil Aviation Safety Regulations Parts 139 and 149
• the retirement of the ‘Can I fly there?’ drone safety app, and drone registration and accreditation
• the launch of online services for remote pilot licence applications and straightforward remotely piloted aircraft operator certificate renewals.

Internal initiatives included the Regulatory Services and Surveillance Transformation Program, proposed changes to CASA’s alcohol and other drugs program, finalisation of the shared services structure, the Australian Public Service census, Brisbane office relocation, diversity events and staff awards. A new fortnightly tool for staff was launched, comprising talking points on hot topics designed to support staff in communicating with industry.

During 2018–19, 25 public consultations and 12 targeted consultations were conducted via the CASA Consultation Hub, on a range of policy proposals and initiatives.

Measure of success

Industry forums conducted openly and transparently

Result

GREEN

All minutes and meeting notes of technical working groups, the Aviation Safety Advisory Panel and regional airspace and procedures advisory committees were published on CASA’s website, enabling the activities of the groups to be transparent and open to the broader industry.

Key Performance Indicator

CASA’s education and promotion deliverables are relevant, timely, effective and appropriately targeted

Measure of success

Education and promotion activities meet the needs of aviation community and CASA staff

Result

GREEN

Key education and safety promotion initiatives in 2018–19 included new publications – such as the second edition of the Safety Behaviours: Human Factors for Pilots kit, the Radio Procedures in Non-Controlled Airspace booklet, and a careers guide for aircraft maintenance engineers – and plain English information to support new rules for community service flights and other regulatory changes.

CASA is working with the Australian Transport Safety Bureau to develop a joint safety campaign, driven by trends evident in investigation findings, to promote the use of checklists.

A feedback survey on Flight Safety Australia, CASA’s flagship aviation safety magazine, received 1,299 responses and confirmed that the publication is highly regarded as a credible and informative source of aviation safety information, is well loved by industry, and has a positive influence on aviation safety. A large majority of the readers surveyed (95 per cent) said that Flight Safety Australia increased their knowledge and awareness of aviation safety issues, and 85 per cent said that it influenced them to become safer in their aviation role. Almost 90 per cent of current readers surveyed said that they would recommend it to other people in the industry. Information from the survey is being used to shape the future direction of the magazine.

A feedback survey confirmed that CASA’s Flight Planning kit, including the new Radio Procedures in Non-Controlled Airspace booklet, is useful. The kit has been enhanced in response to feedback to ensure that it continues to meet audience needs.

An average of 450 orders of safety awareness and educational materials were dispatched each month from CASA’s online store, representing an average of 6,000 individual items per month.

Measure of success

Increased and expanded digital interactions

Result

GREEN

Social media activities continued to show strong results, with significant interactions and engagement across channels. Between 30 June 2018 and 30 June 2019:

• Facebook users increased from 38,858 to 45,382
• LinkedIn users increased from 8,974 to 17,163
• Twitter followers increased from 9,748 to 11,60
• YouTube followers increased from 3,574 to 4,581

The ‘Can I pack that?’ app was downloaded 227,412 times in 2018–19.

Measure of success

CASA’s governance structures align with Commonwealth better practice

Measure of success

Continuous improvement towards best practice portfolio, program and project management

CASA has made significant improvements in the design and accuracy of reporting. When producing reports, CASA’s Enterprise Portfolio Management Office (EPMO) regularly engages with project managers to ensure that reports are as accurate as possible.

CASA established a Business Improvement Oversight Program Board, which has improved oversight of all programs, projects and change impacts in CASA. The board is chaired by the CEO and has executive manager membership.

Development of training on project management in CASA commenced in April 2019. The training focuses on applying project management discipline and navigating through governance and escalation and decision points specific to CASA.

CASA provides change management services to support projects (excluding Service Delivery Transformation) and business activities. Fourteen activities were supported in 2018–19. Two business areas engaged the EPMO to conduct post-implementation reviews, which were ongoing at 30 June 2019.

Measure of success

Unqualified audit of financial statements

Result

The interim audit of CASA’s financial statements was conducted in the fourth quarter of 2018–19. No issues of concern were identified in the interim audit, and there are no issues raised to date that would cause anything other than unqualified financial statements.

Measure of success

Delivery and management of a transparent ICT work program

Result

GREEN

CASA maintained a strong focus on ICT security, progressing towards compliance with the Australian Signals Directorate’s Essential Eight mitigation strategies, delivering multifactor authentication for administrators, and disabling untrusted macros. A gap analysis was undertaken on CASA’s compliance with the Protective Security Policy Framework and the findings were provided to the Executive Committee.

Contract negotiations for an upgrade of CASA’s wide area network were concluded in June 2019.

CASA’s records management system was upgraded, delivering the capacity to:

• index the text content of scanned documents
• apply geographic information system data to locations and records
• preconfigure a record review and authorisation process
• configure the system for aggregated disposal of records.

Several of the recommendations of a review of CASA’s ICT capability were implemented in 2018–19; the remainder will be implemented in early 2019–20.

Broader and earlier engagement between CASA’s ICT and business areas has improved the quality of internal proposals for new initiatives with a significant ICT component.

Measure of success

The schedule of proposed benefits for each service capability are realised

Result

GREEN

CASA delivered several capabilities to improve the experience of clients and enable them to conduct digital transactions with CASA.

The myCASA portal was developed, allowing clients to create a portal account, enter identification details to be validated through the Department of Home Affairs Document Verification Service, and apply for an aviation reference number, without any involvement from CASA.

Remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) functionality was deployed into the myCASA portal, enabling flying schools to apply for remote pilot licences for applicants who have successfully passed the theory and practical requirements. Clients can apply, pay for and receive their licences through the portal. Remotely piloted aircraft operator certificate holders can also renew their certificates online if there is no variation required.

CASA is working closely with industry clients to continue to improve the uptake of RPAS digital functionality via the myCASA portal. Functionality for RPAS registration (commercial) is currently in the testing phase and is expected to be released in November 2019, subject to finalisation of legislation and charges.

Measure of success

Maintain four-year Strategic Workforce Plan which is revised annually in response to changes impacting the workforce and business

Result

GREEN

The CASA Workforce Strategy 2019–2023 and its supporting workforce plan will commence on 1 July 2019. The strategy articulates CASA’s workforce priorities within the overarching categories of capability, culture and composition. The plan reflects the activities that will be undertaken in 2019–20 and outlines expected activities in the subsequent years of the strategy.

The activities identified in the plan will be reviewed annually and adjusted as required to reflect changes in CASA’s political and legislative work environment, with progress reported quarterly to the People Committee and every six months to the Executive Committee.

Measure of success

Training opportunities are provided to all staff each year in accordance with their personal training plan

A three-day professional development roadshow was undertaken in each CASA office in 2018–19. The training covered key topics derived from analysis of approved professional development requests within CASA’s Performance and Communication Scheme data.

The following courses were conducted in 2018–19:

• five sessions of Manager Orientation
• four sessions of General Orientation
• three sessions of Foundation Training
• two sessions of Advanced Training.

A program of training covering regulatory knowledge specifically targeted at the Aviation Group was completed. In total, 23 training sessions were conducted, with 444 staff attending. Developmental work to scope the integration of a formal qualification into the training framework commenced, with the mapping of existing training against the proposed qualification.

CASA reviewed and updated the studies assistance policy, which continues to provide the opportunity for staff to pursue academic development to enhance their career. A trial course in business writing was conducted in June 2019 to address an identified development need within the organisation.

Measure of success

Biennial staff engagement survey

Result

GREEN

Approximately 89 per cent of CASA’s employees participated in the 2019 Australian Public Service employee census. The Australian Public Service Commission’s report on the census will be available in early 2019–20, and senior managers will be provided with assistance to understand the findings so that each branch can develop a plan to address employee feedback.

A report outlining the progress of initiatives to address findings from the 2017 CASA Employee Engagement Survey was published on CASA’s intranet on 4 April 2019. Activities focused on the four priority areas identified in 2017–18: facilitating change, recognition in the workplace, development opportunities, and leadership.