Transport & infrastructureStatutory authorityExists today
Civil Aviation Safety Authority
CASA
6 July 1995 – present
Statutory authority that regulates the safety of civil aviation in Australia and of Australian aircraft overseas, including personnel licensing, airworthiness, operator certification and airspace regulation.
How it came into existence
Established on 6 July 1995 under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, as amended in 1995, taking over the safety regulation functions of the Civil Aviation Authority when it was split.
- Aviation safety regulation
- Personnel licensing
- Airworthiness certification
Legislation: Civil Aviation Act 1988
Changes during its life
- Airspace regulation and administration
Under the Airspace Act 2007, exercised through CASA's Office of Airspace Regulation; date not confirmed.
Main functions
- Aviation safety standards and regulations
- Licensing of pilots, engineers and other aviation personnel
- Certification of aircraft operators and airworthiness
- Safety surveillance and enforcement
- Airspace regulation
- Regulation of remotely piloted aircraft
Where it sits
In the portfolio of Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts.
- Type of body
- Corporate Commonwealth entity
- Portfolio
- Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts
- Accountable authority
- Board – Civil Aviation Act 1988 sections 8 and 51 with reference to sections 60(2) and 81 notes (membership section 52)
- ABN
- 44 808 014 470
Lineage
Loading lineage…
Sources
Primary sources
- List of Commonwealth entities and companies under the PGPA Act, 1 July 2026 (Department of Finance)
- Australian Government Organisations Register (Department of Finance, data.gov.au) (listed from 11 December 2014 to the latest release (30 June 2026))