Joint Media Statement from PBAA and ABFSaturday 7th January 2012 The Professional Ballooning Association of Australia (PBAA) and the Australian Ballooning Federation (ABF) are deeply saddened by the tragic events which occurred this morning in New Zealand and both organisations extend their deepest sympathies to the families and friends of those involved. The accident is currently being investigated by the New Zealand authorities and we will await their findings. We will scrutinise their report to see if any further improvements can be made to enhance the safety of Australian operations. We are proud of our safety record over the past 20 years and the Australian ballooning industry has developed a strong reputation for safety as today hot air ballooning in Australia is conducted under of the world's most stringent regulatory regimes. For media enquiries, please contact the PBAA and ABF spokesman Damien Crock on 0412 066 666. |