It is my pleasure to present the Australian Transport Safety Bureau’s corporate plan for the period of 2025-26 to 2028-29, in which we outline our priorities and key activities to deliver on our purpose. It also sets out the broader environment we operate in, our risks and capabilities, and how we will measure our performance.
Our primary focus is to improve transport safety through the independent investigation of accidents and incidents in aviation, marine and rail. We prioritise investigating accidents or incidents that occur in these modes that are most likely to provide the greatest public benefit.
When determining investigations that will provide the greatest public benefit we consider:
- the safety of passengers and crew on an aircraft, train, or ship
- significant damage to public infrastructure
- impact on the national economy.
We have a small but dedicated workforce with specialist knowledge and skills that allow us to fulfil our role as Australia’s national transport safety investigator. We will continue to invest in the capability of our staff, and improving the systems and technology that support them.
Due to our independence, the ATSB plays a unique role in the transport sector. Through our investigations we can take a holistic view of systems and processes and identify key systemic issues relevant across industries. Our independence from regulators and policy makers means we do not have the power to enforce action. Instead, we influence safety action through:
- our reputation as a world-leading investigative agency
- engaging with our stakeholders
- communicating our findings
- fostering awareness of safety issues and concerns.
Our ability to influence safety action is dependent on our expertise, our relationships with stakeholders, and our effective communication of safety issues and outcomes. As such we will continue to work collaboratively with industry stakeholders and representative bodies to raise awareness and encourage actions that address identified safety issues. Such actions reduce the likelihood of future incidents and accidents. We will also continue to prioritise raising public awareness of our investigations and outcomes to support ongoing confidence in Australia’s transport sector.
Statement of preparation
I, Angus Mitchell, as the accountable authority of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), present the ATSB Corporate Plan 2025-26 for the period 2025-26 to 2028-29, as required under section 35(1)(b) of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act).
Angus Mitchell
Chief Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer