[Kharon]

Please explain.

Hitch - TAAAF is supposed to be a united voice, so by AOPA, AMROBA and AAAA wanting separate representation, are they telling us that TAAAF is not as united as they are supposed to be? What other conclusion are we supposed to draw?

Morgan – “ASAP is made up of only six members:
• Qantas
• Virgin Australia
• Airports Association of Australia
• Regional Aviation Association of Australia
• The Australian Aviation Associations Forum
• Recreational Aviation Australia.

As AAOPA matures and settles the need for real, independent representation for the increasing membership becomes apparent. They are constitutionally allowed a voice and democratically within their rights to be heard. AAAA and AMROBA, as legitimate organisations also have a voice. It is of no value to Australia, aviation or the government to deny them an input to the problems the industry faces on a daily basis; those which directly affect their membership.

Denying the opportunity is (IMO) detrimental to government credibility – and purported democratic values. The act of refusing to hear the concerns of legally constituted associations also casts a shadow over any concord reached; not to mention suspicion and further cause for discontent, leading to further reduction of investment and productivity.

That aside; there would need to be a very good explanation offered as to why a ‘consultative’ forum would reject the sane, experienced, intelligent counsel of three of Australia’s best industry representatives:-

AOPA – representative Mike Smith. The man who should be the CEO of CASA.

AAAA – representative Phil Hurst. Top class manager and advocate for his membership.

AMROBA – representative Ken Cannane. Vastly knowledgeable, experienced and capable.

All articulate, sanguine, consummate professionals representing the light to medium weight part of an ailing industry. This is not some rag-tag bunch of noisy irritants trying to spoil the ministerial day, the three men probably have more idea of how to affect a cure for general industry than 80% of the invited, who will be allowed to voice an opinion and negotiate on behalf of their members.

Three extra seats at the table is not too big an ask. So, could the minister please explain why his ASAP is determined to exclude these valuable voices from his choir?

I could provide half a dozen reasons why – but let’s hear the ministers response, before we tell you exactly why. Toot toot.