[Kharon]

Ref: https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/new-...5cikt.html

OTSI Missing in action?

Or, are they just redundant? Surplus to requirements. I wonder just how much 'grunt' the OTSI has, when push comes to shove? 

P2 - “Perhaps the following provides the answer to why the Chief Investigator of OTSI is seemingly ignoring OTSI's legislated statutory obligations to investigate all serious incidents involving NSW Ferry, Bus and train commercial services?”

Perhaps 'ignoring' is not the under pining reason for the 'hands off' approach; unless invited. The incident with the school bus a good example of 'territorial' limitations where common sense and best resources rule the response. The very first calls made would be to '000' (not OTSI)- first on scene police, followed by ambulance. The police spokesman, not the OTSI investigator managed the media calls and clearly stated that their 'specialist' crash investigators were deployed, he also said that the police were conducting the interviews, collecting statements and compiling the 'evidence'. “the police crash investigation unit will determine what happened”. This seems restrict OTSI somewhat; no doubt the NSW police are the best resource to investigate and manage the event; from the minute 000 was called through to the Coroner. Exit OTSI, stage left....Sensible call methinks..But who will see that the Coroner's rulings are carried out, to the letter – OTSI? Yeah, right.....

The case of the 'burning bus' however is different; clearly a maintenance matter, potentially life threatening and as luck would have it, happened not on a freeway or busy, congested roads making evacuation difficult and restricting the fire service timely arrival. The question is does OTSI have the same capability to forensically determine the cause of the fire as say the police or the fire brigade? The 'quality' and authority of the report will matter when the legal boys get busy.  So who gets to do the investigation and why have OTSI not clearly defined the event, who is investigating, what and when the results are expected: and, what steps have been taken to prevent as far as possible the chance of turning a bus load of kids into a national tragedy? But who will see that the Police investigation results and rulings are carried out, to the letter – OTSI? Yeah, right...

Then we have the train derailment – this time OTSI and the ATSB combine to 'investigate' and call up the TSI Act 2003. Once again; OTSI take the minor role as the heavies roll in, to provide a 'broader safety benefit'. 

Bus and train events out of OTSI hands; that only leaves the Ferries in their bailiwick. AMSA is politely stepping away from deep involvement (gentlemen all) and letting OTSI stew in its own juices. There is inherent danger associated with all forms of transport, from Shanks Mare to Jumbo jet and 'things' can and do go wrong. It is the response to those events that matters; measures taken to prevent a repeat. Clearly all the evidence shows that there are serious, fundamental flaws in the ferry system. Philosophic, operational, mechanical and systematic matters that are not being addressed. OTSI, on paper at least have a large 'clerical' staff to support a very small investigative crew, who seem be be bereft of authority and influence. I've no doubt the OTSI investigative crew 'know' where the problems are. Insignificant things, like the never fixed, inaccurate 'head counter' system which relies on operating crew to determine how many passengers are actually 'on-board' and the many overloads which are not reported, let alone investigated. The worst case, realistic scenario? - Simple to imagine; overloaded ferry; engine failure, explosion and fire; fire suppression failed; steering loss due unconstrained fire; big swell and a capsize; 530 souls on board, not 400. Bring down not only the government but the wrath of every person in this land. Why? Well it could have been prevented; that's why...

Perhaps its time for 'men of good will' to step up and either disband OTSI or give it the horse power it needs to allow their investigators the latitude support and powers they need. It cannot go on as it is; and ATSB is not the right answer; they are a bigger basket case than OTSI.

Toot – toot....