William Kerr

Experience

• 

  Australian Transport Safety Bureau

  Jul 2008 - Aug 2011

  Senior Transport Safety Investigator

  I managed and undertook technical investigations into all aspects of aviation, marine or rail accidents and incidents.

• 

  Qantas

  Aug 2011 - Aug 2013

  Manager Investigations & Human Factors

  I was responsible for managing and leading safety investigations, delivering investigation and human factors related training, and developing investigation related procedures and documentation.

• 

  Virgin Atlantic Airways

  Sept 2013 - Jan 2014

  Flight Safety Manager

  I managed the operational flight safety team of this iconic international airline.

• 

  Transport for NSW

  Feb 2014 - Oct 2016

  Internal secondment to manage the Road Management Policy, Legislation and Local Government team within Journey Management. I lead the function which delivered audits and systemic safety investigations throughout Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) and industry partners (including suppliers and other providers of services), to help assure RMS that it is continuing to fulfil its duty of care; ensure that corporate goals and objectives are achieved; and, corporate and operational risks are managed.

  • A/Principal Manager Road Management Policy, Legislation and Local Government

    Sept 2016 - Oct 2016

  • Manager Safety Continuous Improvement & Assurance

    Feb 2014 - Oct 2016
• 

  Airservices Australia

  Nov 2016 - Mar 2025

  I understood, articulated and drove solutions for key safety and risk issues across the full breadth of the organisation. I worked with internal and external stakeholders to understand details, prioritise work and influence decision making to drive long term business consequences and impacts. Responsible for maintaining Airservices licence to operate, I reinvigorated relationship with Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) while determining the best approach to engagement with other regulators and external stakeholders. Show less Initially moving into an International Program Manager role, I was responsible for the overall relationship and performance of the assistance programs provided to neighbouring Air Navigation Service Providers and for driving the strategic agenda in relation to global standards through the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), completed in conjunction with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and the Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities. The role also acts as the key interface point with the Civil Air Navigation Service Organisation (CANSO).Within 8 months, I was selected for the Capability and Programs Manager role, which additionally, was responsible for the development of organisational capability across all Safety and Risk Frameworks. Show less

  • PFAS Strategy

    Jul 2024 - Mar 2025

  • Head of Risk Assurance

    Jan 2021 - Jun 2024

  • Capability & Programs Manager

    Nov 2018 - Dec 2020

  • Safety Surveillance Manager

    Nov 2016 - Nov 2018
• 

  Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts

  May 2023 - Apr 2024

  Secondee to Aviation White Paper & Reform

  A high priority for the Department and Minister was setting the long-term policies to guide the next generation of growth and innovation in the aviation sector, with $7M funding committed to the development of the Aviation White Paper and reform. Seconded from Airservices Australia, I worked across the Department, Airservices, Government, Industry, and led a team responsible for competition, consumer rights, disability, airports, noise and workforce, to ensure comprehensive perspectives were provided for consideration within Aviation White Paper. I developed relationships with team members, understood their expertise, and undertook significant consultation drawing on experience and networks to develop policy proposals to address the issues. Show less

• 

  UNSW

  Sept 2024 - now

  Casual Lecturer

  I am responsible for the development, delivery and maintenance of the Aviation Safety Management Systems course in the School of Aviation.

• 

  Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia

  Mar 2025 - now

  Head of Risk & Assurance

  Reporting to the Executive General Manager Aviation and Operations with 9 direct reports I lead the development and strategic direction of the RFDS South Eastern Safety, Quality and Risk Management System. I define the standards for safety, quality and risk and in conjunction with RFDS SE executive team foster a safety, quality and risk culture in a ‘just culture’ working environment.