AIRSERVICES Australia (ASA) will become the subject of a Federal Senate inquiry after speculation that its public consultation process into flight path changes across Perth was flawed.
Liberal Senator Chris Back presented a motion calling for an assessment into ASA's management of aircraft noise and its consultation process.
It was carried in Federal Parliament with support from the Greens and Independent Nick Xenophon.
An ASA spokesman said ASA would assist with inquiry as necessary.
“Safety is the number one priority for all Airservices Australia's operations,” the spokesman said.
Swan MHR Steve Irons welcomed the announcement, after months of lobbying for ASA to make its consultation process more transparent.
Mr Irons had called for ASA to reveal flight path changes, which date back to November 2008.
“This is a good result for local residents,” Mr Irons said.
“This consultation approach meant that no-one was aware of flight path changes - even the press weren't aware of it.
“All of a sudden the phone calls started to my office.
“This was a debacle.”
He said the process was poorly-handled and the community should expect more and get more.
Mr Irons renewed his calls to call for a noise mitigation scheme for homes affected around Perth airport.