With reference to the investigation by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau of the fatal crash of the aircraft VH-TFU at Lockhart River in May 2005:

(1) (a)   When have Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Regulatory Oversight System checks of Transair been conducted; and (b) for each of these checks: (i) what elements of the system were examined, and (ii) what was the result of the check.

(2) (a)   Can copies be provided of the formal report of all Transair audits, including the index of findings, and the actions to be taken by the operator; (b) have all actions been undertaken; and (c) what steps has CASA taken to ensure that they were.

(3)   Why were no special audits or spot checks conducted on Transair between 20 December 1999 and the date of the crash.

(4)   Is it normal for airlines of the size, scope and expansion pattern of Transair to not undergo special audits or spot checks for a period of 5 years.

(5)   Over a 5 year period, on how many occasions would a similar airline normally undergo: (a) spot checks; and (b) special audits.

The Australian Government understands and appreciates the Senate’s strong interest in learning the safety lessons from the tragic accident at Lockhart River in May 2005. The Government is committed to actions that will reduce the likelihood of similar accidents in future.

This is one of more than 100 questions placed on the notice paper since October 2006 in relation to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s (CASA) oversight of Transair, the operator of the aircraft that crashed at Lockhart River. Transair is no longer operating.

Considerable details of CASA’s oversight of Transair have already been made public in the course of extensive testimony at Senate Committees and in response to previous Questions on Notice.

On 4 April 2007 the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) released its extensive report into the accident. The report is the product of nearly two years of exhaustive investigation and contains detailed findings concerning CASA’s surveillance of Transair. The Government has asked CASA to act upon those findings as a priority.

The accident is also currently being examined in an inquest by the Queensland Coroner’s Office. Both CASA and the ATSB are assisting the Coroner. The coronial inquest provides the most appropriate forum for detailed and objective consideration of CASA’s oversight of Transair.

Together, the ATSB report, the coronial proceedings, and the evidence CASA has provided to the Senate on several occasions, ensure that the public interest in the issues raised by the accident is fully addressed. At this time, the completion of the coronial processes is the priority for determining the facts of the fatal Transair crash at Lockhart River.