A respected bureaucrat has been confirmed as the head of Australia’s aviation regulator for the next five years, taking on one of the toughest jobs in the industry.
Shane Carmody has been appointed the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s director of aviation safety after acting in the role since October, 2016.
The widely expected move came was announced by CASA chairman Jeff Boyd on Wednesday and comes after the regulator has been mired in controversy over regulatory reform for two decades.
Friction between parts of the aviation industry and CASA prompted former Transport Minister Warren Truss to commission a report on the regulator.
The 2014 report found a significant disconnect between the industry and CASA which, if left unchecked, could put both the safety and reputation of the industry at risk.
Boyd said the CASA board had full confidence that “Australia’s excellent aviation safety record can be further enhanced’’ under the continued leadership of Carmody.
“Shane is committed to working with the aviation industry and the wider aviation community to achieve the best possible safety outcomes,’’ he said in a statement.
“He understands safety is a shared responsibility with the aviation industry and will ensure that the interests of the travelling public are paramount.”
Carmody brings a wealth of senior executive experience to the job from a number of agencies and his experience with aviation issues includes a stint as deputy chief executive of CASA from 2006 to 2009.
He also held senior positions in the Defence Department, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and was deputy secretary of the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development prior to taking the reins at CASA in 2016.
“Shane has worked in high profile federal government agencies and has a strong appreciation of the role CASA plays in the aviation sector, having previously worked for CASA as Deputy Chief Executive Officer from 2006 to 2009,’’ Boyd said.
“He has led large teams of operational, technical and regulatory support staff, providing leadership for operational, training and corporate functions within a regulatory environment.”
Transport Minister Darren Chester said CASA under Carmody was already looking at priority issues raised by industry such as fatigue rules, aviation medical, and targeted regulatory reform.
“I look forward to continuing to work with Mr Carmody and the CASA Board to ensure that CASA implements the Government’s recently announced Statement of Expectations which will focus on regulatory activity that is pragmatic, practical and proportionate, and continues to maintain Australia’s strong aviation safety record,” Chester said.
