The following references to the Civil Aviation Act 1990(external link) contain most of the legislation relevant to our surveillance function.

Section 15 Director may require or carry out safety and security inspections and monitoring.
Section 15A Power of Director to investigate holder of an aviation document
Section 24 General power of entry
Section 44A Failure to comply with inspection or monitoring request
Section 49 Communicating false information or failing to disclose information relevant to granting or holding of aviation document
Section 50 Obstruction of persons duly authorised by Director
Section 50A Failure or refusal to produce or surrender documents
Section 56 Communicating false information affecting safety
Section 72B Functions of Authority
Section 72I Director of Civil Aviation

Other applicable Acts and references

There are other statutes and legal principles that affect either what information may be gathered in the course of CAA surveillance or how it may be considered and used. These include the following:

  • The Crimes Act 1961
  • Part 9A:   Interception or disclosure of private communications.
  • The Privacy Act 2020
  • Application of Information Privacy Principles (IPP).
  • Natural Justice Provisions
  • Exercise of power reasonably and fairly.

CAA policies

Surveillance policy [PDF 350 KB]