Nick Xenophon (SA, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

Very briefly; thank you Madam Acting Deputy President. I am grateful both to the government and to the opposition for their responses. With respect to the government, if you look closely at Bret Walker SC's opinion, there are real issues in respect of this. This is a minefield, in terms of how this will be interpreted. I have outlined this highly complex technical issue in terms of the problems with these regulations. I am very grateful to the opposition for their support in respect of this. I think Senator Conroy has hit the nail on the head: there needs to be a precautionary approach in relation to this. Let us not in any way compromise airline safety. There are legitimate questions that need to be asked about this issue. I want licensed aircraft engineers to maintain the aircraft that I and everyone in this place, and indeed millions of Australians, fly on each year. So let us get this right. I do not blame Mr Skidmore, who I think is an outstanding appointment. But disallowing these regulations will mean we go back to the previous system, which has served us well for a number of years. There could be scope for improvement. But these changes are very, very problematic.

I do want to pay particular tribute to the shadow minister for transport, the Hon. Anthony Albanese, who has supported this by taking that sensible precautionary approach. I do not know if there are the numbers for this to be disallowed, but I hope it will be, for the sake of aviation safety in this country.