[thorn bird]

"The Australian Government is seeking input on the direction of Australia’s future airspace management"

How do you steer something with no rudder?

"developing a national strategic approach for the management of Australia’s airspace"

That suggests there is a Strategy. We are still using strategies developed in the 1940'ies, bit of catching up to do.

"Michael McCormack said the Australian Government is committed to consulting with industry to ensure future airspace policies reflect the rapidly changing airspace environment and meet the needs of airspace users."

Heard that before over the past 30+ years, by consulting with industry does he mean the airlines? What is actually changing? At the rate the industry is diminishing there will be bugger all airspace users.

“It is becoming more evident that future airspace operations will involve a mix of significantly different aircraft types and performance characteristics"

Err.... does that not apply now?

“The existing framework that underpins our safe and efficient airspace system has served Australia well for many years"

No it hasn't, its been a millstone around the industries neck. It hasn't been as safe as it should and certainly hasn't been efficient.

“We value the input of those who use the airspace and see the Issues Paper as the starting point for open and transparent discussion."

I very much doubt anyone in the GA side of industry feels valued and CASA is about as transparent as a brick. (Refer to requests for docs under FOI)

"will inform development and implementation of Australia’s Future Airspace Framework, a project led by Australia’s Airspace regulator, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority."

As long as CASA bears no responsibility for the inevitable stuff up.

“While the Issues Paper considers a long-term approach for airspace management, we are addressing short-term priorities"

There's an election in less than a year so I guess by long term you mean within a year. By short term priorities I guess you mean knee jerk reactions to newsworthy events.( Refer the angel flight imbroglio)

“I encourage industry and other interested stakeholders to take a look and have their say.”

Already have minister, year after year for the past thirty years, don't hold your breath.