Australia's peak air safety agencies have been further strengthened with key appointments to the Boards of Airservices Australia (Airservices) and Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) announced today.
Deputy Prime Minister, Nationals' Leader and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack has appointed Air Chief Marshal (ret'd) Mark Binskin AC as the Deputy Chair of the Airservices Board and Mr Michael Bridge to the CASA Board.
"Air Chief Marshal Binskin brings outstanding governance, aviation and military experience to the Deputy Chair's role on Airservices' Board," Mr McCormack said.
"An active civil aviation pilot, Air Chief Marshal Binskin also brings considerable leadership experience to his new role, together with in-depth knowledge of major projects, finance and governance, especially with the Australian Defence Force.
"Air Chief Marshal Binskin recently stepped down as Chief of Defence Force and is a former Vice Chief of Defence Force and Chief of Air Force.
"His appointment will provide for strong strategic oversight of Airservices as it continues to work with the Department of Defence and contractor Thales on a new national air traffic management system under the OneSKY project."
Mr McCormack said Mr Bridge brings considerable aviation safety, management and corporate governance experience to his role on the CASA Board.
"Mr Bridge's experience as the former Chief Executive Officer of Airnorth—a major operator of scheduled passenger transport and charter services in the Northern Territory—will be invaluable to the CASA Board," he said.
"As a country MP I know how vital giving a further voice to regional airservices is, and I know Michael's experience in the Territory will bring that perspective to Airservices' discussions.
"His wealth of aviation safety expertise and operational experience will be valuable to the Board, as particularly given he was a pilot for more than 30 years.
"Given the completion of the remaining elements of CASA's regulatory reform program is a key priority, including modernising flight operation regulations, Michael's appointment is timely.
"I look forward to continuing to work closely with Airservices and CASA to ensure Australia's aviation industry remains among the safest in the world."
