The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is inviting applications for the role of aviation Commissioner, a challenging and rewarding part-time role that helps guide the national transport safety investigator.
This is a unique opportunity for a professional with extensive operational aviation experience, a deep understanding of the Australian aviation industry, high-level experience in safety-related operational positions, and an appreciation of the ATSB's role.
About the role
The ATSB is established under the Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003 (TSI Act) and is an independent Commonwealth statutory agency under the Public Service Act 1999 (PS Act) governed by a Commission consisting of a full-time Chief Commissioner and two or more part-time Commissioners.
The role of a Commissioner is to:
- Advise the ATSB on the Minister’s Statement of Expectations.
- Approve ATSB investigations and oversight their quality and timeliness.
- Be aware of and provide advice on high profile or potentially contentious reports.
- Provide advice on the ATSB’s strategic direction.
- Provide advice on the ATSB’s performance information.
- Provide advice on the ATSB’s engagement with risk.
- Provide advice on the ATSB’s financial viability.
- Ensure the standards, professionalism and capabilities of the ATSB are maintained at the highest appropriate levels commensurate with industry developments (technology) and world’s best practice.
- Act as an ambassador of the ATSB.
- Participate actively in Commission meetings both in person and/or via phone/video link.
- Reinforce health, safety and environment philosophy on location and in office.
- Challenge or comment on matters that are not clear or that cause concern.
- Not become involved in general administration matters, employment and human resource matters, systems etc. unless an obvious and serious concern is identified.
Commissioners have a number of responsibilities explicitly stated in legislation or implied by virtue of their position. The TSI Act imposes a number of duties and responsibilities including with regard to:
- Outside employment.
- Disclosure of material personal interests.
- Performance of TSI Act functions.
- Release of investigation reports.
- Protection of information.
The ATSB prefers to have three part-time Commissioners, each with a background in aviation, marine or rail. To be eligible to be appointed as a Commissioner, a person must have a high level of expertise in one or more areas relevant to the ATSB’s functions (s13(3) of the TSI Act).
While the Chief Commissioner holds office for a specified period not exceeding five years (s13A(1) of the TSI Act), part-time Commissioners hold office for a specified period not exceeding three years (13A(2) of the TSI Act). Commissioners may be eligible for re-appointment.
Remuneration and allowances for the position are set by the Remuneration Tribunal.
Further details regarding this role, including terms and conditions, eligibility, selection criteria, and details on submitting an application, are outlined in the linked Application Advice documents.
Should you wish to discuss the role/appointment in more detail, please contact Colin McNamara, Chief Operating Officer on (02) 6122 1669 or via colin.mcnamara@atsb.gov.au.