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Views are being sought from the public and aviation industry about whether Australia should ratify the 1999 Montreal Convention that updates air carriers liability and other consumer protection arrangements.
A discussion paper on the convention and related aviation insurance matters has been released by the Department of Transport and Regional Services.
The Department is seeking views on whether Australia should ratify the convention and whether relevant features should be applied to Australias domestic carriers.
The Department is also seeking public comment on a number of matters concerning aviation third party insurance and aircraft registration.
The Montreal Convention, drawn up in Montreal in 1999, modernises and consolidates the international legal framework for air carriers liability. It also simplifies and modernises documentation to facilitate the smooth movement of air passengers, baggage and cargo, including providing for electronic ticketing and air waybills.
Varying arrangements currently exist under an array of international instruments, most attempting to update the 1929 Warsaw Convention on carriers liability. Once the Montreal Convention is in force and governs international air carriage, passengers and their relatives will benefit from a harmonised and updated system of arrangements.
Copies of the discussion paper and convention can be obtained from Aviation Industry Policy, Aviation, Department of Transport and Regional Services, GPO Box 594, Canberra, ACT 2601, telephone: 02 6274 7454, or they can be downloaded from the Departments web site.
Submissions close on 20 April 2001 and should be sent to the Department at the above address.
Media Contact:
Wendi Key (Assistant Secretary, Information & Services Branch): (02) 6274 7760
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