Likely due to an underlying lack of resources within Airservices Australia, there was an over‑reliance on tactical changes to manage the roster. As a result, cumulative fatigue was not being effectively managed strategically and an over‑reliance on tactical principles did not identify or manage fatigue risks arising from the work schedule.
Airservices has confirmed that operational staffing numbers have increased for the North Queensland TCU group, and overall across the business. The ATSB is satisfied that the higher staffing numbers will reduce the likelihood of future gaps in the strategic rostering process.
On 16 June 2024, Airservices Australia advised the ASTB:
Airservices is focussed on increasing air traffic control staffing through national and international recruitment campaigns. We are also enhancing internal operational processes to maximise resource availability. This includes an emphasis on training, rostering and accreditation enhancements. We have introduced 38 new controllers into operational positions since June 2023 and expect a further 56 by the end of the 2024 calendar year. Additionally, we have launched an international recruitment campaign for experienced controllers to supplement our traditional recruitment program. A number of candidates have proceeded to letters of offer.
Nine inflows have been added to the North Queensland ATC group since January 2023. Three are currently endorsed and six are in training. These inflows increase our available staff against the staffing requirement for the group. Based on the current data, we expect the master roster to be filled with minimal gaps by October 2024, when available staff meets the requirement.
In October 2024, Airservices provided data to the ATSB showing the North Queensland TCU staff availabilities between September 2024 – September 2025. This data showed that the total full-time equivalent staff available (excluding those unavailable or conducting cross training) had been achieved in October 2024 as planned. This data also showed that the number of available air traffic controllers was projected to steadily increase from 21 to 27 total full-time equivalent staff by September 2025.
Airservices also provided data to the ATSB showing total monthly counts of unassigned shifts at the time the roster was published for North Queensland TCU staff between November 2021 – September 2024. This showed a rolling median trending downward since the occurrence in December 2022.
In November 2024, Airservices also provided the ATSB updated information on the expected air traffic controllers in operational positions across the entire organisation by the end of 2024:
The increase in required staffing numbers (projected to continue to steadily increase into 2025) and reduction in unassigned shifts for North Queensland TCU has been confirmed by Airservices. This increased resourcing will reduce the likelihood of future gaps in the strategic rostering process.
The ATSB will continue to monitor this safety issue until the anticipated increase in staffing numbers is confirmed by Airservices.
