MEDIA RELEASE The Hon Mark Vaile MP Deputy Prime Minister Minister for Transport and Regional Services Leader of the Nationals 07 August 2007 126MV/2007

SATELLITE NAVIGATION AND SURVEILLANCE OFFERS SAFER, MORE EFFICIENT AIR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Transport and Regional Services, Mark Vaile, today invited the public to comment on proposals to introduce cutting-edge technology to provide Australia with safer, more efficient air traffic management. An industry consultation paper prepared by government agencies proposes to expand the use of Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) avionics for air traffic surveillance and aircraft navigation. The new systems would supplement or replace many of Australia's radar and ground-based navigation aids. "We have an opportunity to introduce the largest advance in Australia's air traffic management in generations in the use of ADS-B and GNSS. We want to know what the public thinks about the proposal," Mr Vaile said. "ADS-B and GNSS systems offer important advantages, including reduced fuel use and more accurate aircraft tracking. These advantages saw the Government announce last year that it supported the work being done to extend the use of ADS-B and GNSS systems." Under the proposal, from 2014, most aircraft operating in Australia would rely primarily on ADS-B for en route surveillance, and GNSS for en route and approach guidance at regional airports. The current use of ADS-B through the Upper Airspace Program would be extended to include most of Australia's busiest airspace. "The proposal includes the provision of financial assistance to General Aviation for the widespread fitment of these avionics to the Australian aircraft fleet," Mr Vaile said. The proposals in the consultation paper were developed over several years by industry and government organisations working collaboratively, enabling the Government to benefit from a vast pool of experience and expertise. Following the consultation period, the Government will consider the industry comments and finalise its decisions on expanding the use of ADS-B and GNSS. The Australian Government is committed to the National Airspace System reform objectives and the reform programme set out in the Australian Airspace Policy Statement; particularly greater flexibility and the allocation of air traffic management services on the basis of risk. The Consultation Paper was prepared by Airservices Australia, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the Department of Transport and Regional Services (DOTARS) in consultation with Defence. Comments on the consultation paper should be provided to DOTARS at ADSB@dotars.gov.au by 31 October 2007. Stakeholders can find the consultation paper at www.dotars.gov.au Media Contacts Tanya Cleary ( Mr Vaile's Office ) 6277 7680 / 0418 615 280   URL: http://www.ministers.dotars.gov.au/mv/releases/2007/August/126MV_2007.htm