[Kharon]

Cats: and the skinning thereof.

There are many ways of expressing a request; I expect that given time a thousand way of expressing same could be found. No matter, the letter to the CASA ICC has been delivered. Now we must await the response.

December 12, 2016. 1630 EST.

Jonathan Hanton.
Industry Complaints Commissioner.
Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Aviation House | 16 Furzer Street | Phillip | ACT 2606.
T   +61 2 6217 1249| E jonathan.hanton@casa.gov.au

By E-Mail.

Dear Mr. Hanton.

1) The disbanding of the CASA Ethics and Conduct Committee (ECC) has created much interest within the aviation community. Of particular interest are those industry complaints which have been ignored, unanswered or arbitrarily dismissed by the ECC when made against the actions of individual CASA officers.

2) As it is understood, the revised system now exclusively involves both the Industry Complaints Commissioner (ICC) and the CASA Board. The ASSR presented by Mr. David Forsyth particularly mentions the almost total lack of trust in not only the governance of the CASA; but in individuals who are employed by; or, contracted to the CASA. Many industry notables remain unconvinced that the ‘new broom’ will directly address the very real matters of conflict which have led to the current levels of anger and distrust. In short; without genuine, demonstrated ‘change’, for better, industry will remain cynical of and hostile to any form of lip service reform of CASA.  Proof of spirit and intent, through direct open actions toward CASA reform is considered an essential element of regaining lost trust. There is a deep distrust of any ‘stated’ CASA intention toward meaningful change. There is absolutely no faith in the CASA ability to act in a “firm but fair” manner. This is deep seated, long standing, entrenched attitude. The evidence supporting this assertion is overwhelming and very well documented.

3) I write on behalf of three individuals, each seriously affected by the actions of CASA. It is requested that you, as ICC, make a formal representation to the CASA Board proposing that these three cases be reviewed. This will be seen as a statement of good intent from the CASA Board to foster reform, learn from past aberrations; and, as a tangible gesture supporting the purported ‘change’. Fair arbitration made without the influence of previous ECC members, or the protections previously afforded by the ECC.

4) These cases may be considered as prime, demonstrated examples of why a Board led reform of the internal CASA culture is essential to not only the well being and moral of industry, but to the credibility of the department; and, by extension, the incumbent Minister.

5) It is appreciated that the cases fall outside of your promulgated, arbitrary time constraints. We submit that had industry any faith, whatsoever, in the ECC, then these complaints would have been examined, ‘firmly but fairly’ in a timely manner. It is considered unreasonable that an arbitrary time line, internally decided, should deny a review. A review which would provide valuable knowledge and insight to the Board and a reassurance to the industry that real reform, in real time of the CASA system for managing complaint is valid, vital, robust and credible.

6) The following page provides the names and contact details for the persons requesting your consideration of proposing this review for what is, essentially, simply a request for a ‘fair’ hearing relying on sound judgement.

7) The participants are happy to agree to non disclosure or confidentiality caveats, should this assist the Board arriving at the fair and equitable decision, to review the cases; on their merit.

Your timely response will be much appreciated. I am the primary contact person for the group and may be contacted directly with any and all communication.

Your sincerely. etc

.

Aye, toot toot indeed.