Minister for Transport and Federal Member for Grayndler Anthony Albanese today announced that Ron Brent has been appointed as the first Aircraft Noise Ombudsman.

The creation of an independent Aircraft Noise Ombudsman is an important initiative from the Government’s National Aviation White Paper.

Mr Albanese said the new position will give Inner West residents a better opportunity to follow up issues and complaints about aircraft noise, and it will improve public information on the impacts of noise from aircraft operations.

Mr Brent brings extensive experience to the role having been Deputy Commonwealth Ombudsman since 2003 and recently acting as Commonwealth Ombudsman.

The new independent Aircraft Noise Ombudsman position will commence on 1 September 2010.

The Aircraft Noise Ombudsman’s roles will include:

• reviewing the handling of complaints or enquiries made to Airservices Australia about aircraft noise;


• monitoring and reporting on the effectiveness of community consultation processes relating to aircraft noise undertaken by Airservices;


• monitoring and reporting on the effectiveness of the presentation and distribution of aircraft noise-related information; and


• making recommendations to the board of Airservices for improvements relating to public consultation and handling of complaints where necessary.

The Ombudsman will provide regular reports to the Airservices Board and the Minister, and produce a detailed and public annual report.

I am pleased that Mr Brent is taking up this position, and I have no doubt that his experience will be invaluable as the new Aircraft Noise Ombudsman.