Experienced leadership crew to take the controls at CASA

The Australian Government has today announced the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Director of Aviation Safety (DAS), and a new Chair of the Board of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) – the statutory authority that regulates aviation safety in Australia.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said Ms Pip Spence (CEO and DAS) and former Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin, AC (Board Chair) would bring vast experience to these critical roles.

“These appointments are a critical part of shaping the makeup of the CASA Board and the culture of the organisation more broadly,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“The depth and breadth of experience that Ms Spence and Air Chief Marshal Binskin bring to bear show the Government is serious about ensuring CASA performs its critical role effectively.

“Their combined skills and experience will be essential for leading this critical regulator in keeping Australians safe while flying, as well as supporting an efficient, effective and reliable aviation industry – which is economically crucial for communities right across the nation.

“Ms Spence comes to CASA from a senior leadership position within the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications. She offers substantial experience in aviation policy and regulation, as well as government administration and public policy – including a strong track record of leading organisational change.

“Air Chief Marshal Binskin brings outstanding leadership and expertise in both aviation and defence, including significant experience within general aviation.

“These appointments send a strong message about our commitment to high-quality leadership for Australia’s aviation safety regulator, while providing certainty to CASA personnel and industry.”

Ms Spence will commence in her new role in the coming weeks for a period of up to five years. Air Chief Marshal Binskin will commence in August for a period of three years, when the term of the current Chair concludes.

Media Contact:

Deputy Prime Minister – Dean Shachar 0418 202 860 | Caitlin Donaldson 0428 389 880

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Mark Binskin

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Mark Binskin
Binskin in April 2018
Born	20 March 1960 (age 61) Sydney
Allegiance	Australia
Service/branch	Royal Australian Navy (1978–84) Royal Australian Air Force (1984–2018)
Years of service	1978–2018
Rank	Air Chief Marshal
Commands held	Chief of the Defence Force (2014–18) Vice Chief of Defence Force (2011–14) Chief of Air Force (2008–11) RAAF Air Command (2007–08) Air Combat Group (2004–05) No. 77 Squadron (1998–99)
Battles/wars	Iraq War Operation Catalyst
Awards	Companion of the Order of Australia Commendation for Distinguished Service Gugseon Medal of the Order of National Security Merit (South Korea) Distinguished Service Order (Singapore) Meritorious Service Medal (Singapore) Commander of the Legion of Honour (France) Commander of the Order of Orange-Nassau (Netherlands) Knight Grand Commander of the Order of Military Service (Malaysia) Commander of the Legion of Merit (United States)
Other work	Commissioner and Chair of the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements

Air Chief Marshal Mark Donald Binskin, AC (born 20 March 1960) is a former senior officer in the Royal Australian Air Force. He served as Chief of Air Force (2008–11), Vice Chief of the Defence Force (2011–14), and Chief of the Defence Force from June 2014 until his retirement in July 2018. In February 2020 he was appointed as a Commissioner and Chairman of the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements.

Early life

Binskin was born on 20 March 1960 in Sydney and grew up in Campbelltown, New South Wales. He attended Campbelltown Public School, and completed secondary schooling at Hurlstone Agricultural High School.^[1]

Service history

Binskin joined the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) in May 1978, and on completion of flying training was posted to fly A-4G Skyhawk aircraft at Naval Air Station HMAS Albatross.^[2] In January 1982, he was selected as the first RAN pilot to undergo an exchange with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), flying Mirage III aircraft. On completion of this exchange, and with the disbanding of the Navy’s fixed wing capability, he transferred to the RAAF in 1984.^[2]

Binskin served as the Commanding Officer of No. 77 Squadron at Williamtown during the period 1998 and 1999, and later Commander of Air Combat Group from 2004 until 2005.^[2]

Binskin’s flying qualifications include Fighter Combat Instructor and Tactical Reconnaissance Pilot. Additionally, he has served as the RAAF F/A-18 Hornet Demonstration Pilot, and in this position represented the RAAF throughout Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and New Zealand, and has over 3,500 hours in single-seat fighter aircraft. He was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia for his performance in these two positions.^[3]

During Australia’s 2003 contribution to the war in Iraq, Binskin served as Chief of Staff at Headquarters Australian Theatre. Following this, he served as the first dedicated non-United States Air Force Director of the US Central Air Force Combined Air and Space Operations Centre, where he was responsible for the conduct of all Coalition air operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom (ADF operations Catalyst and Slipper). For his leadership capabilities in this appointment, he was awarded a Commendation for Distinguished Service.^[4]

Binskin was appointed to the position of Air Commander Australia on 26 July 2007.^[5] He assumed the position of Chief of the Air Force (CAF) on 4 July 2008;^[6] upon assuming this appointment, he was promoted to air marshal on 4 July 2008.^[2]

Binskin was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in the 2010 Queens Birthday Honours for distinguished service to the Australian Defence Force in senior command and staff appointments.^[7] He has additionally been honoured with Singapore’s Meritorious Service Medal, and the Gugseon Medal of the Order of National Security Merit from South Korea.^[8]

On 1 June 2011, it was announced that Binskin would be appointed Vice Chief of the Defence Force (VCDF) from 4 July for a term of three years in the Defence leadership change over.^[9] For his “eminent service to the Australian Defence Force” as CAF and VCDF, Binskin was advanced to a Companion of the Order of Australia in the 2014 Australia Day Honours.^[10]

On 4 April 2014, Prime Minister Tony Abbott announced that Binskin will take over as Chief of the Defence Force (CDF) when General David Hurley‘s term expires on 4 July 2014 and the current Chief of the Navy, Vice Admiral Ray Griggs will replace him as VCDF.^[11] The change of command occurred slightly earlier than advised, with Binskin promoted to air chief marshal and appointed CDF during a ceremony on 30 June.^[12]

Personal life

Binskin is married to Gitte. They have two sons. His interests include camping, motor sports, dancing and motorcycle riding.^[2]

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