Stephen Conroy (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

Australia has an outstanding record when it comes to aviation safety. This outstanding record is down to the experience and professionalism of the men and women who are responsible for safety across the aviation industry. Another important factor is the non-partisan approach both sides of politics have taken to aviation safety. We certainly have our arguments in this place about many matters but aviation safety is not one of them. Labor will support this bill.

The Civil Aviation Amendment (CASA Board) Bill 2014 expands the size of the CASA Board by two members, increasing the breadth of expertise on the board. The minister for transport says this is a necessary change, so Labor is supporting the bill. I have to say I am a little sceptical about the reason advanced. Initially, I thought perhaps this should be referred to as the civil aviation amendment, CASA, Sophie Mirabella bill, but she got submarines instead! To be fair, the National Party hate Sophie, as they demonstrated by campaigning against her extensively in her electorate—