Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss has established the Aviation Industry Consultative Council (AICC) to provide the aviation sector with a direct voice to the Minister and the Australian Government.
Chairing the first meeting in Canberra today, Mr Truss said the AICC is dedicated to aviation matters and believes it will be a valuable forum for discussion.
"Aviation is central to the Australian economy from domestic and international tourism, to business and work-related travel, family reunions and medical emergencies; so the Australian Government is committed to ensuring aviation's many voices are heard,” he said.
“Our government has already initiated and responded to the landmark Aviation Safety Regulation Review. We have reformed the Qantas Sale Act, abolished the carbon tax on aviation fuel, revived the Enroute Charges Payment Scheme and ended half-a-century of dithering by locking-in Badgerys Creek as the site for a dedicated Western Sydney airport.
“But there is more to do in this ‘aero-space’ and we welcome ideas and insights from industry. The Council will act as an advisory body tackling high level strategic issues, but it is not a decision-making entity."
Members of the 18-person council include Qantas boss Alan Joyce, Virgin Australia CEO John Borghetti and RA-Aus President Michael Monck.
General aviation is well represented on the council by Marj Davis representing the Royal Federation of Aero Clubs Australia, Tony Brand from Horsham Aviation and AOPA President Allan Brooks.
Issues canvassed at the inaugural meeting included opportunities to reduce regulatory burdens, challenges in regional aviation, the need to revitalise the General Aviation Industry Action Agenda, aviation workforce skills and implementation of the Government's response to the Forsyth Report.
AICC Members
| Stephen Goodwin | National Chairman | Australian Airports Association |
| Jim Davis | Chairman | Regional Aviation Association of Australia |
| Martin Laverty | CEO | Royal Flying Doctor Service |
| Alan Joyce | CEO | Qantas |
| Michael Monck | President | Recreational Aircraft Australia |
| John Borghetti | CEO | Virgin Australia |
| David Boundy | Chairman | Aerial Agricultural Association of Australia |
| Mike Close | President | Air Sport Australia Confederation |
| Barry Abrams | Executive Director | Board of Airline Representatives of Australia |
| Ken Cannane | Executive Director | Aviation Maintenance Repair and Overhaul Business Association |
| Philip Reiss | Director | Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Australia |
| Peter Pallot | CEO | Sunshine Coast Airport |
| John Patterson | Executive Director | Australian Mayoral Aviation Council |
| Tony Brand | Director | Horsham Aviation Services |
| Pine Pienaar | CEO | Flight Training Adelaide |
| Allan Brooks | President | Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Australia |
| Marj Davis OAM | Immediate Past Pres. | Royal Federation of Aero Clubs of Australia |
| Darryl Taylor | Managing Director | Tasmanian Helicopters |