AFAP Network Pilot Council Update
Recently, on 20 February, your AFAP Chair (Steve Maughan) and current HSR (Colin Baldwin) attended a meeting with Work Health and Safety representatives Alan Green (Senior Industrial Inspector) and Jodie Kuruppuarachchi (WHS Industrial Inspector), along with company representatives Jan McGrath, Jason Pereira, Geoff Liu, Glen Fuge and Adrian Young.
The meeting was initiated by WorkSafe following a complaint lodged by the AFAP regarding the process for establishing Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) and the formation of the WHS committee.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the requirements of the Work Health and Safety Act 2020, particularly the obligations relating to consultation, work group determination, and the facilitation of HSR elections, and how these provisions apply to Network Aviation.
Importantly, the parties agreed to re-engage consultation on these matters to ensure alignment with the Act and to establish a clear framework for HSR representation in the future.
The Importance of the HSR Role
Health and Safety Representatives play an important statutory role within the WHS framework. Once elected, an HSR is a legally recognised worker representative with defined rights and responsibilities under the Act, including representing pilots on safety matters, participating in consultation processes, and raising WHS concerns in a structured way.
As consultation recommences, we encourage pilots to consider the importance of having engaged, professional safety representation within the flight crew group. A robust HSR framework supports clear communication, strengthens our safety culture, and ensures pilot perspectives are formally recognised within the WHS system.
Further information regarding the process and next steps will be provided as consultation progresses.
Geraldton Overnight
Separately, members may be aware of the recent unscheduled overnight in Geraldton involving an F100 crew. Due to the circumstances on the night, the crew overnighted onboard the aircraft. We understand the broader circumstances, including recovery decision making, accommodation arrangements, and contingency activation are currently under review.
While this is not a routine outcome, it has occurred previously and it raises questions about recovery planning and accommodation contingencies. AFAP has sought a clear timeline of events and clarification around contingency activation.
If you were involved or have relevant information, please reach out to your reps.
Fokker Replacement Fleet
The AFAP recently wrote to local management regarding the less than ideal start to consultation surrounding the transition to the E190, including the company’s statement regarding bonds which your AFAP pilot Council does not believe is appropriate when it relates to a forced move off a retiring fleet. While the company has confirmed that they are in very early stages of consultation they did not respond to the question of bonds but did indicate that they were very much in the ‘listening mode’ and welcomed feedback.
Noting this transition will soon be upon us we urge all those who will be impacted to raise concerns and questions with you AFAP Council members and we shall ensure this is fed into the debate and keep you updated.
Workplace Determination Dispute – Duty Variation Allowance
As reported last year the AFAP raised a dispute regarding the necessity to seek pilot agreement on day of ops extensions beyond two hours. The company had stated (under the old management) that agreement of the pilot was not required whereas the AFAP provided evidence of negotiations to show both parties had based the relevant clause (9.27.11) on ‘requiring agreement’.
Despite the clear difference of opinion on the interpretation of this clause, the company has instructed lawyers to fight a jurisdictional argument that the AFAP did not follow the correct disputes procedure. We’re not sure if this is external lawyers just feathering their nest or NAA management instructing them to be obstructive as possible. Either way when its clear that there is a different view on the EA then surely it’s in everyone’s interest to resolve the matter as quickly as possible.
The jurisdictional matter is to be heard by the FWC on 11th March and we shall keep you updated.
Next Pilot Council
The first pilot council of 2026 is scheduled for 30th March, as always keep your views and issues filtering to any of the reps. The company has confirmed that this will be first full council meeting that the new chief pilot will attend and we’re hopeful of a new page being turned in the relationship.
As always your AFAP Pilot Council are:
Stephen Maughan:
smaughan@iinet.net.au
Ben Walmsley:
ben.walms@gmail.com
Joshua Sheldon:
Josh.b.sheldon@gmail.com
Sasha Leavy:
sasha_leavy@hotmail.com
Matt Atkinson:
matkinson209@gmail.com
Eman Zimmerman:
mano01@hotmail.com
Mark Levitt:
ml.network.pilotcouncil@outlook.com
Geoffrey Aro:
flyingaro@gmail.com
In addition, the AFAP Senior Industrial Officer Chris Aikens is contactable on chris@afap.org.au. The AFAP Member Assistance Program (MAP) can be contacted via Freecall 1300 307 912