Flight MH370 (Question No. 642) Rowland, Michelle asked the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, in writing, on 7 February 2017: Has he been following the search being undertaken by the Australia Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) for the missing MH370 aircraft; if so, does he have confidence in the ATSB’s search methodology. Mr Chester – The answer to the honourable member’s question is as follows: I have been following the search for MH370 from the beginning when the aircraft disappeared on 8 March 2014, and of course more closely in my capacity as Minister for Transport and Infrastructure with the ATSB in my portfolio. As I mentioned in a media statement on 20 July 2016 Attachment A, the search has been unprecedented in both size and scale, conducted in some of the world’s most isolated waters and at times in extremely challenging weather. I have absolute confidence in the methodologies that the ATSB have brought to bear in the search. The investigators and other personnel who have contributed to the search from the ATSB possess significant knowledge and expertise and they have also drawn on the advice and expertise of other Australian and international partners; highly skilled professionals who are the best in their fields. These skills and expertise were brought to bear on this complex and difficult challenge, including the examination of satellite data, end-of-flight simulations, comprehensive evaluations of recovered items of debris, and debris drift modelling conducted by the CSIRO Attachment B. Attachments Attachment A – Ministers to meet to discuss MH370 Ministers to meet to discuss MH370 Media Release DC077/2016 20 July 2016 Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester will meet with counterparts from Malaysia and the People’s Republic of China later this week to discuss the way forward in the search for missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370. The Ministerial Tripartite Meeting will be held on Friday in the Malaysian federal administrative centre of Putrajaya. Malaysian Minister of Transport, Dato’ Sri Liow Tiong Lai will host the meeting which will also be attended by the Minister of Transport from the People’s Republic of China, Mr Yang Chuantang. “I’m looking forward to meeting with our international partners in the search for MH370. The search has been unprecedented in both size and scale, conducted in some of the world’s most isolated waters and at times in extremely challenging weather,” Mr Chester said. “The meeting will provide an opportunity to reflect on achievements to date and discuss next steps as we near completion of the 120,000 square kilometre search area.” The Governments of Malaysia, Australia and the People’s Republic of China agreed in April 2015 that should the aircraft not be located within the 120,000 square kilometre search area and in the absence of any new credible evidence the search area would not be extended. www.minister.infrastructure.gov.au/chester/releases/2016/July/dc077_2016.aspx Attachment B – MH370 First Principles Review Summit MH370 First Principles Review Summit Media Release DC166/2016 02 November 2016 Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester today welcomed the release of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) report MH370— Search and debris examination update. “This report contains important new information on what we believe happened at the end of MH370’s flight,” Mr Chester said. “The report looks at further analysis of satellite data, end-of-flight simulations, a comprehensive evaluation of the recovered section of wing flap, and preliminary results from the enhanced debris drift modelling conducted by the CSIRO.” The release of the report coincides with the first day of a First Principles Review Summit being held in Canberra from 2-4 November, which the Minister officially opened today. “The First Principles Review Summit brings together the extraordinary team of Australian and international experts, who have been involved in the search for MH370, to review all the available data and analysis associated with the search to date,” Mr Chester said. “There are currently more than 20 items of debris of interest to the investigation team which have been located on the coasts of Africa, Madagascar, the island of Mauritius, Reunion and Rodrigues. “The experts will also inform the remainder of the search effort, and develop guidance for any future search operations. “A report detailing the findings of the review will be released after the meeting. “Australia, Malaysia, and China continue to work together to find MH370. My thoughts, and the thoughts of all those involved in the summit, remain with the families and friends of the 239 passengers and crew.” The MH370 —Search and debris examination update report is available on the ATSB website: www.atsb.gov.au/mh370/ Malaysian Airlines Flight MH370 disappeared from air traffic control radar after taking off from Kuala Lumpur in March 2014. www.minister.infrastructure.gov.au/chester/releases/2016/November/dc166_2016.aspx