Aviation Industry Reference Committee (IRC)

The Aviation IRC is made up of industry leaders and experts and acts as a conduit between the Aviation industry and the Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC).

The Aviation industry connects Australian people, businesses and tourism domestically and with the rest of the world. The Aviation IRC are responsible for ensuring the AVI Aviation Training Package meets the needs of the industry and provides nationally recognised Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications for occupations involved in:

• Aerodrome Operations
• Airport Safety
• Ground Operations
• Cargo Services
• Customer Service
• Aviation Transport Security Protection
• Aviation Search and Rescue
• Management and Supervision
• Air Traffic Control
• Flight Operations (Pilots – aeroplane, helicopter, commercial, military, remote and pilot in command)
• Flight Instruction

Stephen Leahy

Aviation Industry Reference Committee Chair

Stephen Leahy is an experienced senior executive and from 2010-2019 was CEO of Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopters, Australia’s first civilian rescue helicopter service, providing aviation search and rescue services for the NSW Police Force, Surf Life Saving NSW, the NSW State Emergency Service, the Australian Federal Police, Fire and Rescue NSW and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.

In this role Stephen was heavily involved with producing resources such as the Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HUET) simulator, winch simulators and onboard cameras allowing review and debrief of each rescue mission. This included a focus on developing the team to become trainers and providing a learning environment for other workers in the aviation and public safety industries.

Stephen brings a wealth of diverse experience to the work of the Aviation IRC and is a passionate advocate for Vocational Educational and Training.