ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the Australian regulatory framework for drone operations. It discusses a Senate Inquiry Report produced in 2018 and an even more recently released Emerging Aviation Technologies Paper. These documents advocate updated regulatory requirements in Australia designed to achieve uniformity, integrate drones’ use into the national airspace system and at the same time, achieve the highest possible level of safety.
The proposed approach to policy development covers airspace integration, safety, security, noise, environment, privacy, safe and efficient electric take-off and landing vehicles, infrastructure, technology trials and central coordination. The regulation of drones in Australia has, to date, been predominantly concerned with safety and given the potential risks to persons and property this is a perfectly legitimate and supportable preoccupation. However, the extensive and increasing use of drones also raises very serious privacy issues and concerns around data collection and use especially given the intrusive potential of drones equipped with cameras and surveillance capability, which are now readily available to the public. The Australian Senate Inquiry Report and Emerging Aviation Technologies Paper show increasing concern for and intent to address these issues.
These documents also reflect a commitment to develop a national whole-of-government policy position to balance the important challenges of ensuring public and aviation safety, while at the same time encouraging innovation and deployment of new aviation technologies such as drones.
