Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2021N00129:body:0:p2
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2021N00129
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 2738–6040

the timely finalisation of investigations to support continuous improvement in transport safety.

   3.        Approach to delivering core functions

I expect the ATSB, in conducting its responsibilities as the national transport safety investigator, will continue to:

   (a) focus on transport safety as the highest priority;

   (b) give priority to transport safety investigations that have the highest risk or potential to deliver the greatest public benefit through systemic improvements to transport safety;

   (c) while retaining operational independence, remain an active and effective participant in the transport policy and regulatory framework, working effectively with the Department and other stakeholders, including the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), Airservices Australia (Airservices), the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR), the Department of Defence and the transport industry;

   (d) be a global leader in transport safety investigation, research and analysis, and foster public awareness and education on transport safety, to influence positive safety action; and

   (e) continually review investigation policies and practices to ensure that the ATSB retains its reputation as a best practice safety investigation agency and its influence on the national and international safety agenda.

   4.        Key Initiatives

I expect the ATSB, in conducting its responsibilities as the national transport safety investigator, will focus on the following key transport initiatives:

   (a) implement effective workforce planning, ensuring the ATSB has the skills and expertise to meet current and emerging challenges in transport safety investigation;

   (b) provide for a centre of excellence for transport safety investigation including through the development of the ATSB's partnerships with educational institutions;

   (c) collaborate with other countries to improve accident investigation capability and consistency with international protocols;

   (d) support the Government's transport safety objectives in the Asia-Pacific region;

   (e) finalise the implementation of the measures announced in Budget 2020/21, designed to support core functions of the ATSB, including its accommodation footprint, updates to its ICT infrastructure and the development of an integrated aviation data sharing platform (the latter being led by the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics);

   (f) enhance its research activities into areas which provide the most significant prospects of improving transport safety for the greatest public benefit;

   (g) engage closely with aviation, rail and maritime regulators to ensure that arrangements are in place for the appropriate sharing and use of safety information by the ATSB and each regulator, and that these arrangements are transparent to industry and consistent with a strong reporting culture;

   (h) support the Department and the States and Territories to ensure the national rail safety regulation and investigation reforms provide an effective framework for rail safety investigation; and

   (i) be prepared to provide input into Government inquiries reviewing the ATSB's jurisdiction across different modes of transport.

   5.