CASA has appointed Airservices Australia Corporate Communications Manager Rob Walker to the new position of Stakeholder Engagement Group Manager.
In a statement released today, CASA Director of Aviation Safety (DAS) Mark Skidmore said that Walker had the passion and experience the regulator was looking for.
"He has more than 35 years of experience in stakeholder engagement, communications and media relations," Skidmore said. "Rob successfully manages the stakeholder engagement and communications team at Airservices. I know Rob has a passion for aviation and already has strong relationships with a wide range an aviation groups, organisations and individuals."
In explaining the new role to CASA staff, Skidmore said that stakeholder engagement was an important part of the Renewing CASA program, as the group would be responsible for creating better relationships between the regulator and the industry.
"A constructive and respectful working relationship between the aviation community and CASA is one the keys to delivering a high performing national aviation safety system," he said. "We all know that over some years our relationship with some sections of the aviation community deteriorated, leading to mistrust and frustration.
"It is because of the importance of relationships and engagement that we have formed the new Stakeholder Engagement Group as one of the three central elements of the organisational structure being implemented under Renewing CASA. This Group brings together CASA’s expertise in communications, consultation and safety promotion.
"It is driving our efforts to effectively inform and engage with the aviation community in all areas of safety regulation."
Walker's appointment follows that of Tracey Frey as Sustainability Group Manager last week.