SENATOR THE HON BRIDGET MCKENZIE
SHADOW MINISTER FOR INFRASTRUCTURE, TRANSPORT AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
LEADER OF THE NATIONALS IN THE SENATE
22 September 2023
Media Release
QANTAS APOLOGY WELCOME BUT LACK OF COMPETITION IS THE REAL ISSUE
Today’s apology from the new Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson that the airline had taken for granted the loyalty of customers and staff is very welcome.
“Qantas’ corporate behaviour over recent times has been reprehensible and has undermined its once shining reputation with the Australian travelling public,” Senator McKenzie said.
“Now it is time for the Albanese Government to do its job in ensuring we have a competitive, affordable airline system, where the rules do not advantage one particular airline.”
The Select Committee on Commonwealth Bilateral Air Service Agreements kicked off this week in Sydney and Perth, with hearings next week in Brisbane and Sydney.
Senator McKenzie said the inquiry had already heard from experts and key industry stakeholders of whom the Albanese Government could learn a great deal from.
“It’s clear from the Airports, industry experts and stakeholders we’ve heard from that more competition is needed in our Airline industry to drive down prices for the Australian travelling public,” Senator McKenzie said.
Flight Centre CEO Graham Turner, former Qantas economist Tony Webber, Sydney University professor Rico Mekert, primary producers, Canberra, Darwin and Sydney Airports were just some of the witnesses at this week’s hearings that spoke of the benefits Qatar Airways request for additional flights would have provided for the tourism industry, competition, exporters, primary producers and the Australian travelling public, with many telling the inquiry they would like to see the Minister at least review the decision.
“We’ve heard from so many witnesses who cannot understand Minister Kings decision to block Qatar Airways request,” Senator McKenzie said.
“Yet the answer for the real reason why she made the decision is still completely unclear.”
Senator McKenzie’s comments came amid the Senate Inquiry into Commonwealth Bilateral Air Service Agreements hearing in Perth today where the ACCC said that a better use of slots and entry of smaller airlines would bring in more competition, the “use it or lose it” provision is incredibly important when it comes to reducing flight cancellations and delays, and slot hoarding by Qantas.
But earlier information to the inquiry noted that Qantas is known to hoard slots at Sydney Airport so other airlines cannot compete, and Canberra(?) Airport told the inquiry that Qantas has been known to push smaller airlines out of the market by launching the same flights routes on the same day as smaller carriers do, only to cancel these flight paths once it’s no longer viable for smaller airlines to continue.
“Our findings from this week’s inquiry witnesses confirm speculation that Qantas wields great power in the industry, and frankly it sounds a lot like bullying to me.” Senator McKenzie said.
“The Albanese Government continues to give preferential treatment to Qantas and each day of evidence before the Senate Inquiry into the Qatar decision is confirming this.”
“Minister King has recommendations on her desk right now that could be implemented and create great outcomes for our aviation industry as whole, our producers and exporters, and the travelling public.”