A dream – in a nutshell.
Glen_B - “A very real opportunity sits before the Deputy PM. Bow to the pressure of a Royal Commission or simply instigate change and employ personnel that can deliver professionalism. The change of less than 5 staff, replaced by "new blood" may well achieve more than a Royal Commission.”
I keep coming back to the Glen_B comment above. Less than 50 words; and, at first read – a game changer; in theory at least. Initially, I thought it is a theory I could support, indeed it has true merit and would go a long way to resolving several major problems – but would it be a 100% 'cure'?
The short answer is no, it would not. Over the last three decades a carefully constructed power base has been brought into law: unchallenged by minister and industry alike. Now I don't care who sits at the top table; human nature and the 'type' of character which the level of 'power' the CASA executive hold attracts, alongside a rule set which guarantees immunity from any check or balance is an almost irresistible recipe for 'corruption' in both a legal and moral sense. It ain't a 'new' problem:-
“I cannot accept your canon that we are to judge Pope and King unlike other men, with a favourable presumption that they did no wrong. If there is any presumption it is the other way, against the holders of power, increasing as the power increases. Historic responsibility has to make up for the want of legal responsibility. Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men, even when they exercise influence and not authority, still more when you superadd the tendency or the certainty of corruption by authority. There is no worse heresy than that the office sanctifies the holder of it.” (RH Lord Acton).
Where do we look for a solution? To government of course – and what do we run into there? Ayup; same old, same old. We have had a string of ministers who were and are quite happy to let CASA 'do it's thing' - all in the name of safety of course. Their safety being of prime concern - “Oh we leave that to the experts” - exeunt stage left with hat and coat. Then, may we look to the parliament? Nope, forget that – the easy application of the rubber stamp is simply too tempting a dish to refuse – well, that and the security of the 'experts' as a handy scapegoats, should the need arise.
So, we wheel in a new 'top five' – can you see them sitting down with a honest Board and dismantling the powers that have been gifted? - Yes - Then let me sell you a lightly used bridge in excellent condition with unparalleled harbour views.
There is serious work for the government to do – the only real course of action (IMO) is to simply start again – from the beginning. New Zealand did, very successfully, economically and quickly. They identified the radical; addressed it and have never looked back. The entire public service is on full pay – fully employed – there is great talent hidden away in 'treasury' and the PMC – honest, hardworking folk with the long term interests of this nation at heart. Put 'em work; now, while aviation is parked up. There will never be another (I hope) opportunity like this to get aviation back on the rails. We don't have the two years worth of steam in the boiler to follow McDonald's course; the next half year will be critical; after that – well, its anyone's guess what will be left – the sure bet – it won't be too much....
There, I feel much better now. - Toot – toot.
Glen_B - “A very real opportunity sits before the Deputy PM. Bow to the pressure of a Royal Commission or simply instigate change and employ personnel that can deliver professionalism. The change of less than 5 staff, replaced by "new blood" may well achieve more than a Royal Commission.”
I keep coming back to the Glen_B comment above. Less than 50 words; and, at first read – a game changer; in theory at least. Initially, I thought it is a theory I could support, indeed it has true merit and would go a long way to resolving several major problems – but would it be a 100% 'cure'?
The short answer is no, it would not. Over the last three decades a carefully constructed power base has been brought into law: unchallenged by minister and industry alike. Now I don't care who sits at the top table; human nature and the 'type' of character which the level of 'power' the CASA executive hold attracts, alongside a rule set which guarantees immunity from any check or balance is an almost irresistible recipe for 'corruption' in both a legal and moral sense. It ain't a 'new' problem:-
“I cannot accept your canon that we are to judge Pope and King unlike other men, with a favourable presumption that they did no wrong. If there is any presumption it is the other way, against the holders of power, increasing as the power increases. Historic responsibility has to make up for the want of legal responsibility. Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men, even when they exercise influence and not authority, still more when you superadd the tendency or the certainty of corruption by authority. There is no worse heresy than that the office sanctifies the holder of it.” (RH Lord Acton).
Where do we look for a solution? To government of course – and what do we run into there? Ayup; same old, same old. We have had a string of ministers who were and are quite happy to let CASA 'do it's thing' - all in the name of safety of course. Their safety being of prime concern - “Oh we leave that to the experts” - exeunt stage left with hat and coat. Then, may we look to the parliament? Nope, forget that – the easy application of the rubber stamp is simply too tempting a dish to refuse – well, that and the security of the 'experts' as a handy scapegoats, should the need arise.
So, we wheel in a new 'top five' – can you see them sitting down with a honest Board and dismantling the powers that have been gifted? - Yes - Then let me sell you a lightly used bridge in excellent condition with unparalleled harbour views.
There is serious work for the government to do – the only real course of action (IMO) is to simply start again – from the beginning. New Zealand did, very successfully, economically and quickly. They identified the radical; addressed it and have never looked back. The entire public service is on full pay – fully employed – there is great talent hidden away in 'treasury' and the PMC – honest, hardworking folk with the long term interests of this nation at heart. Put 'em work; now, while aviation is parked up. There will never be another (I hope) opportunity like this to get aviation back on the rails. We don't have the two years worth of steam in the boiler to follow McDonald's course; the next half year will be critical; after that – well, its anyone's guess what will be left – the sure bet – it won't be too much....
There, I feel much better now. - Toot – toot.