Aviation in Australia
International and domestic aviation connects Australians with each other and with the rest of the world and is central to the Australian economy.
The Australian Government wants an aviation sector that is safe, competitive, productive and sustainable. Through the department, the Australian Government contributes to the prosperity of the economy and the wellbeing of all Australians by fostering a viable, competitive and safe aviation industry. The period to 2050 is expected to be a period of change for the sector, and the Aviation White Paper sets out long-term policies and actions to guide the next generation of growth and innovation across Australian aviation.
The Department supports regulatory arrangements to enable industry to provide Australian consumers and businesses with access to competitive international and domestic air services, as well as access for regional and remote areas. The Department also ensures the industry works within a clear and robust regulatory framework while providing these services and associated infrastructure investment.
In addition to the Department, there are three government agencies in the Infrastructure portfolio with core responsibilities for the aviation sector:
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is Australia’s aviation safety regulator. CASA licenses pilots, registers aircraft, certifies aerodromes, oversees aviation safety and promotes safety awareness.
Airservices Australia is a government-owned organisation responsible for the provision of air navigation services, such as through the provision of Air Traffic Control (ATC) services. Airservices Australia also provides Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting Services (ARFFS) at Australia's busiest airports and manages Aircraft Noise and Complaints Service.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is an independent investigator of aviation, marine and rail transport accidents and safety concerns.
A range of other Government agencies also have aviation related functions, including the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) which provide Search and Rescue Services, the Department of Home Affairs which is responsible for transport security matters, the Department of Defence which administers defence related aviation activities, including a number of joint user facilities such as Darwin, Townsville and Williamtown Airports, and the Bureau of Meteorology which provides meteorological services.