The Australian Government has marked International Civil Aviation Day by announcing it will stand for re-election to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Council in 2019.
Deputy Prime Minister, Nationals’ Leader and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said continued membership on the ICAO Council would allow Australia to secure a safer and stronger global aviation sector for the future.
"International Civil Aviation Day is the perfect time to remember as global aviation continues to grow, collaboration, co-operation and consensus-building among all states has never been more important," MrMcCormack said.
"Re-election to the Council will see Australia continue our major contribution to the work of ICAO and with our global aviation partners to promote a safe, efficient, secure and sustainable civil aviation sector.
"This is an opportunity for us to highlight and re-affirm the strategic importance of civil aviation as a way to connect the world and as a fundamental enabler of social and economic development."
Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister Andrew Broad, who yesterday addressed diplomatic partners and aviation sector leaders in Canberra to mark International Civil Aviation Day and launch Australia’s re-election bid, said aviation was critical to connecting people across Australia, from our capital cities right down to remote communities.
"Our aviation industry links our fresh produce to export markets, underpins our dynamic and growing tourism sector and links Australians to the globe for travel and to connect family and friends," MrBroad said.
"This year’s International Civil Aviation Day theme ‘Working Together to Ensure No Country is Left Behind’ is appropriate given Australia’s strong regional leadership role in aviation capacity-building, collaborative engagement with neighbours such as Indonesia and Papua New Guinea and support of regional initiatives such as the Pacific Aviation Safety Office and Regional Aviation Safety Group.
"We are committed to growing and strengthening aviation both in our immediate region and globally—recognising the role of aviation as a catalyst for economic growth and development."
