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The Commonwealth Department of Transport and Regional Services (DOTARS) has developed the Australian Family Assistance Code, giving air carriers guidelines for preparing a family assistance plan.
An airline family assistance plan sets out the steps an airline will take, in the unlikely event of an accident, to respond to the needs of victims and their families.
All airlines and major charter operators that fly into and/or within Australia have been encouraged to develop and update their family assistance plans by the end of the year.
First Assistant Secretary of the Department's Aviation and Airports Division Martin Dolan said the Code would contribute to a common response to an accident by airlines in Australia.
"Australia's air safety record is excellent, however all air carriers need to be prepared," Mr Dolan said.
"While emergency response agencies, such as the State Emergency Services and the police, would provide immediate assistance, the airline involved has prime responsibility for assisting victims of an air disaster and their families."
The Code, developed by DOTARS following extensive consultation with the aviation industry, establishes minimum standards for airlines when responding to the needs of victims and their families.
The Code covers what airlines should consider in developing their family assistance plan, such as:
- establishing a family support centre, operated by suitably qualified personnel, who can deal sensitively with the needs of victims and their families;
- in consultation with the police, providing accurate and appropriate information to the families of victims;
- providing 24-hour a day contact arrangements for the families of victims;
- making early contact with relevant diplomatic missions;
- where, appropriate, providing financial and administrative support to families wishing to travel to the crash site;
- providing a range of counselling services to survivors and families;
- arranging ongoing support to survivors and families.
The Code is based on international experience and recognition by governments and aviation authorities such as the International Civil Aviation Organisation that such guidelines are needed to ensure public expectations are met in the event of a major air accident.
The adoption of the Code by airlines is at this stage voluntary, but Mr Dolan encouraged all airlines and major charter operators operating in, to, and from Australia to have appropriate family assistance plans in place by December 31, 2002.
"It's important for Australians to have confidence that, in the event of a major accident, airlines operating in Australian will respond effectively and appropriately to the needs of victims and their families," Mr Dolan said.
"DOTARS will follow the adoption of the Code by airlines and charter operators, to ensure broad coverage across the Australian aviation industry."
Copies of the code are available through the DOTARS website.
Media contact: Sophie Davey (02) 6274 6077
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