[Peetwo]

MH370: Another Great White Elephant for Turnbull Government -

The strange disconnection between the MH370 Tripartite Governments and the Australian government agencies the ATSB/CSIRO etc. seems set to continue until at least for the financial year 2017-18.

Reference the latest ATSB Corporate plan:

MALAYSIA AIRLINES FLIGHT MH370 –

INTERNATIONAL CONTRIBUTION

In January 2017 a Joint Communiqué issued by the Tripartite Governments (Malaysia, Australia, and People’s Republic of China) formally announced the suspension of underwater search for missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 (MH370) following completion of the 120,000km2 search area. Should credible new information emerge that can be used to identify the specific location of the aircraft, consideration will be given to determining next steps.

Whilst search operations have been suspended, continuing search area analysis and activities are ongoing and will continue into 2017–18 which will lead to advice to the Tripartite Governments.

Continuing search area analysis and activities include:

>> Further CSIRO debris drift model validation;

>> Further review and analysis of Satellite Imagery;

>> Public release of a Final Search Report;

>> Search Data Release.

The search for MH370 was a large-scale complex international program, the largest and most complex search for a missing aircraft in history. The effort of the dedicated ATSB and associated personnel involved in the search is a testament to their ingenuity, adaptability and resilience. The capability developed within the ATSB during the search has, and will continue, to assist the development and evolution of the ATSB going forward.

Consistent with Government policy and direction, the ATSB will continue to provide a supporting role to Malaysia as the country responsible for the investigation into the disappearance of MH370.


Imagery from the search for MH370 showing underwater volcanoes.

It will be interesting to see in this year's ATSB Annual Report how much money has been allocated for the MH370 continued search area analysis and activities  -  
Somewhat ironically, I also note from the corporate plan that Hoody and his executive bean counters use the MH370 top cover exercise as an example of the ATSB's maturity in risk management (aversion):

The ATSB has relied on its mature approach to risk management to guide its activities in the search for the missing Malaysia Airlines aircraft MH370. Searching for missing aircraft and planning for the recovery are not part of the ATSB’s core business. However, the ATSB has been able to undertake the lead role in the search by ensuring that it is proactive in identifying the obstacles to a successful operation and adapting and mobilising resources expediently to overcome these obstacles.

MTF...P2