Australia's aviation watchdog gets greater powers

Australia's aviation watchdog, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), will get greater powers to check the safety of foreign airlines.

Transport Minister Anthony Albanese told parliament on Thursday an amendment to civil aviation law would give better oversight of foreign airline flying into Australia.

"It enables CASA to take greater account of both the conduct of air operators in their home and other jurisdictions, as well as the level of safety oversight provided by civil aviation authorities in other countries," Mr Albanese said.

"These amendments are consistent with actions taken by the European Union and in North America."

The bill also changes CASA's structure by creating a five-member expert board to provide the authority with strategic direction.

Mr Albanese introduced a separate bill to make the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, which investigates aviation, marine and rail accidents, a statutory authority.

"Investigations that are independent of transport regulators, government policymakers and the parties involved in an accident are better positioned to avoid conflicts of interest and external interference," he said.

Debate on the Civil Aviation Amendment Bill 2009 and the Transport Safety Investigation Amendment Bill 2009 was adjourned.

AAP